February Arthritis News Roundup
We consistently learn more about identifying the symptoms of arthritis and how it affects people’s day-to-day lives. Here are a few inspiring developments in the world of arthritis over the past month.
The FDA has issued a warning regarding gabapentin and pregabalin, stating they are associated with breathing problems when used with central nervous system depressants or in patients with lung problems. This warning also includes drugs fibromyalgia patients may be taking. Talk to your doctor if this warning may apply to you.
Learn more about the drugs used to treat fibromyalgia in the arthritis drug guide .
The FDA issues a buyer-beware warning on supplements to help you avoid health fraud scams, including claims from some supplements for weight loss or treating arthritis. Read their tips to avoid wasting your money and what to look out for.
The FDA also noted 50% of dietary supplement manufacturers do not have documented quality control on their products, citing continued violations of “basic” manufacturing requirements .
Shop smart when looking to buy any type of dietary supplement. You can find tips on how to warning regarding gabapentin and pregabalin . If you’re considering CBD supplements, be sure to check the Arthritis Foundation CBD Guidance for Adults With Arthritis before you buy.
According to researchers writing in The Lancet Rheumatology, a high-dose version of the influenza vaccine is safer and more effective than the regular flu shot for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Both older people and RA patients experience reduced responses to flu shots because of chronic inflammation and use of multiple prescription medications, in addition to the difficulties that arise from patients dealing with multiple diseases at once. Because of this similarity, the study sought to find out if RA patients would see benefits from high-dose flu shots in the same way older patients do.
Although this is the first study of its kind, its results show promise for both RA patients and future studies. You can also read about why flu vaccines are especially important for children with JA.
Pregnancy can already be difficult, and rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t make it any easier. But new research shows that women whose rheumatoid arthritis is carefully managed before and during pregnancy have a significantly lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage or perinatal death.
First author Alessandra Bortoluzzi, MD, PhD, from the rheumatology unit at the University of Ferrara (Italy) and co-authors looked at seven diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up health care quality indicators during the pre-pregnancy and perinatal period. Overall, women with RA had a significantly higher rate of thyroid diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage or perinatal death when compared with controls. However, those who followed the ideal clinical pathway during pregnancy had a 40% lower odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Preparing for pregnancy while you have arthritis isn’t easy, but these tips can help !
Research strongly supports physical activity playing a huge role in treating arthritis. How does your state stack up? Do you live in a place that’s rated more physically inactive than others? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released an adult physical inactivity prevalence map, which shows inactivity levels vary among adults by location, race and ethnicity. Find out where your state ranks.
Staying physically active with arthritis is often very challenging, especially when you’re in pain. Here are tips to get you started with physical activity . You can also check out a recent blog on physical activity or tune in to the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast’s latest episode on arthritis and physical activity to learn about the benefits and how to take the first step.
Chronic pain from arthritis is associated with anxiety and depression in many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released state-specific prevalence data last month showing a higher incidence of frequent mental distress in the Appalachian and southern states. The CDC says all adults with arthritis will benefit from systematic mental health screenings by their health care team.
Arthritis can make everyday life difficult for the millions of Americans struggling with its many forms. Learn when to seek treatment and care options available for anxiety and depression in arthritis . Get the resources you need and get connected with others like you by joining the Live Yes! Arthritis Network .
FDA Issues Warnings Related to Arthritis Community
The FDA has issued a warning regarding gabapentin and pregabalin, stating they are associated with breathing problems when used with central nervous system depressants or in patients with lung problems. This warning also includes drugs fibromyalgia patients may be taking. Talk to your doctor if this warning may apply to you.
Learn more about the drugs used to treat fibromyalgia in the arthritis drug guide .
6 Tip-offs to Rip-offs: Don't Fall for Health Fraud Scams
The FDA issues a buyer-beware warning on supplements to help you avoid health fraud scams, including claims from some supplements for weight loss or treating arthritis. Read their tips to avoid wasting your money and what to look out for.
The FDA also noted 50% of dietary supplement manufacturers do not have documented quality control on their products, citing continued violations of “basic” manufacturing requirements .
Shop smart when looking to buy any type of dietary supplement. You can find tips on how to warning regarding gabapentin and pregabalin . If you’re considering CBD supplements, be sure to check the Arthritis Foundation CBD Guidance for Adults With Arthritis before you buy.
High-Dose Flu Shot Best for Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to researchers writing in The Lancet Rheumatology, a high-dose version of the influenza vaccine is safer and more effective than the regular flu shot for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Both older people and RA patients experience reduced responses to flu shots because of chronic inflammation and use of multiple prescription medications, in addition to the difficulties that arise from patients dealing with multiple diseases at once. Because of this similarity, the study sought to find out if RA patients would see benefits from high-dose flu shots in the same way older patients do.
Although this is the first study of its kind, its results show promise for both RA patients and future studies. You can also read about why flu vaccines are especially important for children with JA.
Ideal Management of RA in Pregnancy Improves Outcomes
Pregnancy can already be difficult, and rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t make it any easier. But new research shows that women whose rheumatoid arthritis is carefully managed before and during pregnancy have a significantly lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage or perinatal death.
First author Alessandra Bortoluzzi, MD, PhD, from the rheumatology unit at the University of Ferrara (Italy) and co-authors looked at seven diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up health care quality indicators during the pre-pregnancy and perinatal period. Overall, women with RA had a significantly higher rate of thyroid diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage or perinatal death when compared with controls. However, those who followed the ideal clinical pathway during pregnancy had a 40% lower odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Preparing for pregnancy while you have arthritis isn’t easy, but these tips can help !
CDC Update: Adult Physical Inactivity Map of the U.S.
Research strongly supports physical activity playing a huge role in treating arthritis. How does your state stack up? Do you live in a place that’s rated more physically inactive than others? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released an adult physical inactivity prevalence map, which shows inactivity levels vary among adults by location, race and ethnicity. Find out where your state ranks.
Staying physically active with arthritis is often very challenging, especially when you’re in pain. Here are tips to get you started with physical activity . You can also check out a recent blog on physical activity or tune in to the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast’s latest episode on arthritis and physical activity to learn about the benefits and how to take the first step.
CDC Releases Updated Statistics on Arthritis, Mental Distress and Depression
Chronic pain from arthritis is associated with anxiety and depression in many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released state-specific prevalence data last month showing a higher incidence of frequent mental distress in the Appalachian and southern states. The CDC says all adults with arthritis will benefit from systematic mental health screenings by their health care team.
Arthritis can make everyday life difficult for the millions of Americans struggling with its many forms. Learn when to seek treatment and care options available for anxiety and depression in arthritis . Get the resources you need and get connected with others like you by joining the Live Yes! Arthritis Network .
