March Arthritis News Roundup
The Arthritis Foundation is your trusted source for information, and we’re staying on top of the latest arthritis-related news that could affect you. Here’s what you need to know about some of the headlines from this past month.
Coronavirus and Arthritis
The spread of the novel coronavirus has raised alarms in the arthritis community — especially among those whose immune systems are already compromised by an autoimmune form of arthritis or its treatment. We’re tracking the developments, checking facts and talking to top experts to get credible, reliable information you need about coronavirus and arthritis .
Other credible sources of information about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) include the following:
Center for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Sign up to receive Arthritis Foundation email updates about the virus and the disease it causes — COVID-19 — and what it means for people living with arthritis.
Handwashing Do’s and Don'ts
Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent infection not only from coronavirus but also from the common cold and the flu, which has infected and killed more people this year than COVID-19. Learn the correct way to wash your hands to stay healthy.
A Better Understanding of Methotrexate’s Risks
Methotrexate has been a cornerstone of arthritis treatment for decades, but a recent study acutely reveals the medication’s potential risks. The study, by David H. Solomon, MD, MPH, a rheumatologist and clinical scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital at Harvard Medical School, and colleagues, found small to moderate elevations in risks for skin cancer as well as gastrointestinal, infectious, pulmonary and hematologic adverse events. This confirmed the findings of previous observational studies. However, this study looked at people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes or metabolic syndrome — not people with rheumatic conditions. Read more about this study .
Get information to better understand methotrexate and what to expect if you take it, like how to manage the side effects of methotrexate .
New Guidelines for Reproductive Health in Rheumatic Diseases
The American College of Rheumatology has just released new recommendations in regards to reproductive health for those living with rheumatic diseases. The 2020 ACR Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases is now available for physicians and patients to make informed treatment decisions before, during and after pregnancy. It includes the latest in evidence-based practice recommendations developed and reviewed by experts as well as by patients with rheumatic diseases.
You can find more information on preparing for a healthy pregnancy with arthritis , tips for coping with pregnancy and arthritis and other articles related to specific arthritis types on arthritis.org.
Coronavirus and Arthritis
The spread of the novel coronavirus has raised alarms in the arthritis community — especially among those whose immune systems are already compromised by an autoimmune form of arthritis or its treatment. We’re tracking the developments, checking facts and talking to top experts to get credible, reliable information you need about coronavirus and arthritis .
Other credible sources of information about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) include the following:
Center for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Sign up to receive Arthritis Foundation email updates about the virus and the disease it causes — COVID-19 — and what it means for people living with arthritis.
Handwashing Do’s and Don'ts
Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent infection not only from coronavirus but also from the common cold and the flu, which has infected and killed more people this year than COVID-19. Learn the correct way to wash your hands to stay healthy.
A Better Understanding of Methotrexate’s Risks
Methotrexate has been a cornerstone of arthritis treatment for decades, but a recent study acutely reveals the medication’s potential risks. The study, by David H. Solomon, MD, MPH, a rheumatologist and clinical scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital at Harvard Medical School, and colleagues, found small to moderate elevations in risks for skin cancer as well as gastrointestinal, infectious, pulmonary and hematologic adverse events. This confirmed the findings of previous observational studies. However, this study looked at people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes or metabolic syndrome — not people with rheumatic conditions. Read more about this study .
Get information to better understand methotrexate and what to expect if you take it, like how to manage the side effects of methotrexate .
New Guidelines for Reproductive Health in Rheumatic Diseases
The American College of Rheumatology has just released new recommendations in regards to reproductive health for those living with rheumatic diseases. The 2020 ACR Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases is now available for physicians and patients to make informed treatment decisions before, during and after pregnancy. It includes the latest in evidence-based practice recommendations developed and reviewed by experts as well as by patients with rheumatic diseases.
You can find more information on preparing for a healthy pregnancy with arthritis , tips for coping with pregnancy and arthritis and other articles related to specific arthritis types on arthritis.org.
