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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wrist What Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbes Inflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

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    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    Woman holding shoulder Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bed Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

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    Woman with upset stomach Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercising Stairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling another Arthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

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    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

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    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.

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    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

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    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

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    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Back

Manage Multiple Medications Safely

Use these nine tips to help you stay safe when taking many medicines.

If you have arthritis, you may be juggling five or more prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. And when your medicine cabinet is that full, there are likely to be a few pills that do not play well together. But there are many things you can do to ensure your list of meds is both safe and effective.

Hopefully your doctor reviews all those drugs regularly. But if you have multiple physicians or pharmacies, one may not know what the other one is doing. Every year nearly 1.5 million people in the U.S. are harmed by mistakes in prescription drug use. Communication is key!

How Drug Interactions Affect the Body

When you take several medicines, you can take steps to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions. Make sure any doctor or pharmacist you see knows every treatment you are on. One medication may amplify or block the effect of another drug. Other cocktails can cause too much of one drug to stay in the body, producing an overdose. If multiple meds have the same side effects they can add up.

Aging can compound the problem. As you get older, your metabolism slows down and it takes longer for drugs to leave your system. Medicines that did not interact in your 40s could cause issues in your 60s and 70s.

If you feel overwhelmed or confused about your growing pill case you are not alone. Taking several medicines — at the right time of day and with the right amount of food — can be tricky. Here are some tips to make your drug regimen simpler and safer.

1. Review your chart.

Sit down with your primary care doctor or pharmacist at least once a year and update your prescriptions. Eliminate unnecessary drugs. Discuss if there are newer or safer alternatives to the ones you still need.

2. Sign up for medication therapy management (MTM).

With MTM, a pharmacist will review your chart and share recommendations with your physician. They might point out that your drug dosage is a bit low or high, suggest an alternative with fewer side effects, or warn you of potential interactions.

Research shows that people who use MTM have fewer problems. It can save money, too. Check with your insurance to see if you are eligible for MTM service.

3. Stick with one pharmacy and physician.

You can avoid errors by getting your prescriptions filled at only one pharmacy. Most drug stores have computer programs that alert the pharmacist if your new prescription has the potential to interact with another drug in your file.

You may have several doctors, but it is important to have only one internist or family physician coordinating your care. Your primary care physician can make sure that you are not taking unnecessary medications or mixing potentially dangerous pills.

4. Follow the instructions.

Read the warning labels and directions. Consuming alcohol, taking certain supplements, and eating particular foods can block the action of some medicines.

5. Switch up the medication.

Struggling with side effects? Ask your doctor to change the drug or dosage. Sometimes when two drugs interact they increase or decrease the effectiveness of the other. Your doctor may be able to switch you to a different drug that provides the benefits without the interaction risk. They can also prescribe a third medication to help alleviate the side effects.

6. Understand dosing instructions.

  • If you are confused about how to take your medicine, ask the pharmacist.
  • “Take one tablet twice daily” and “take one tablet every 12 hours” (or morning and night) mean the same thing. “Three times a day” means every eight hours and “four times a day” means every six hours.
  • “Empty stomach” is one hour before eating or two to three hours afterward. “Food” can be a full meal or a light snack, such as crackers or fruit.

7. Streamline your routine.

  • Are you taking a drug more than four times a day? Ask your doctor if an alternative is available that you take less frequently.
  • Space out prescriptions that interact so they can be more effective. Some medications prevent other drugs from being absorbed by the body.

8. Monitor yourself closely.

In some cases you need all the drugs you are taking, even if they have the potential to interact. When that happens, your doctor will watch you closely, usually through frequent blood tests. Unless a problem is detected, the risk of taking you off a medication may be worse than the risk of interactions.

9. Be informed and speak up!

Remember: The person who knows the most about your drug regime is you. Every time a doctor writes a new prescription, remind them of the supplements and medications you already take. If you know that two drugs you are taking have the potential to interact, ask your doctor what symptoms you should watch for. And if you have questions, ask.

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Food and Drug Interactions

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Food and Drug Interactions
Get a better understanding of common food, drink and medication interactions so you can protect yourself while treating your arthritis.
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Making Sense of Your Insurance
Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips.
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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

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Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

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Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more.

Make a Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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