In the 1980s, doctors were told to go low, go slow meaning they used drugs sparingly and in low dosages. Today, the motto is go steady, be ready. If the medication used by a patient with RA isn't working, changes are made right away.

Remission of the disease is possible with the right choice of drugs. The Methotrexate (MTX) you're on is a good choice for many patients. Break through symptoms does require a change in approach.

Many patients do very well with a combination of MTX and a newer group of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Up to 90 per cent of patients with RA are well-controlled with this treatment method. Symptoms, function, and quality of life are all improved. Best of all, the disease itself can go into remission.

The next step is to go back to your doctor for a follow-up visit as soon as possible. Close monitoring of patient response to treatment is important in managing RA. But your physician won't know how you are faring if you don't check in when your situation changes. Call today and make an immediate appointment.