Newswise — A new pair of plain language guides from the federal government draws on unbiased scientific evidence to compare rheumatoid arthritis drugs, including their clinical benefits, risks and cost estimates.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicines, A Guide for Adults (http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/healthInfo.cfm?infotype=sg&DocID=86&ProcessID=14), and Choosing Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Clinician's Guide (http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/healthInfo.cfm?infotype=sg&DocID=85&ProcessID=14), were produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality through the Effective Health Care Program (http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/). Print copies may be ordered by calling 1-800-358-9295, or by e-mailing [email protected]. Organizations are encouraged to post links to the guides on Web sites or in newsletters.
The clinician and consumer guides include basic facts about rheumatoid arthritis and three classes of available medicines: synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic DMARDs, and corticosteroids. The consumers guide compares the benefits and risks of several rheumatoid arthritis drugs that are currently used alone and in combination. The clinician guide contains more detailed information, including ratings that measure the strength of evidence on numerous findings. Both guides include estimated monthly costs for the medications.
The guides are the latest in a series of AHRQ publications that help clinicians and patients make the best possible treatment choices. Others guides produced by AHRQ compare treatments for diabetes, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), high blood pressure, narrowed kidney arteries and osteoarthritis.
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