Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable inflammatory disease that affects over 1 million people in the United States. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints, tendons, and other connective tissues. Over time, RA can lead to joint deformities, pain, swelling and even destruction of the affected areas.
In recent years, there has been increased interest in new therapies for patients with RA. In this article we explore the latest trends in treatment for RA patients with an emphasis on Otezla™ as a promising new option.
What is Otezla?
Otezla is a new FDA-approved drug for people with moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It is classified as a type of biologic medication called a JAK inhibitor. This class of drugs has been shown to have an effect on reducing inflammation that is similar to that of a traditional DMARD (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug). It inhibits the signal from the cytokine known as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and is effective for the treatment of RA.
How does Otezla Work?
Otezla is an IL-6 inhibitor. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine or protein that is released in response to an injury. The role of IL-6 is to induce the immune cells to come to the site of the injury to begin the healing process. In people with RA, however, the immune system is chronically activated resulting in chronic inflammation.
Otezla works by inhibiting the cytokine IL-6 at the source. The role of IL-6 is to induce the immune cells to come to the site of the injury to begin the healing process. In people with RA, however, the immune system is chronically activated resulting in chronic inflammation. Otezla works by inhibiting the cytokine IL-6 at the source.
Benefits of Otezla
Otezla has been found to be safe and effective for the treatment of RA. Clinical trials have shown that it leads to a reduction in the symptoms of RA such as joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. It is also helpful for improving joint function in the long term. Unlike other biologic drugs for RA, Otezla does not have a risk of serious infections, although there is a slight risk of developing certain skin infections. Therefore, it may be a good option for some patients who are at risk for infections.
Nausea: Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Otezla. This symptom can be managed by taking the drug with food or by taking anti-nausea medications.
Headache: Otezla can cause headaches in some people as a side effect.
Skin reactions: Otezla can cause skin reactions that range from redness of the skin to a rash. In some cases, these reactions can become serious. The risk of skin reactions can be reduced by using Otezla with a lower dose or by using it in combination with other medications.
Is Otezla Effective for RA Patients?
Although the effects of Otezla on patients with RA were not clearly visible during the trial period, it was approved by the FDA due to the potential advantages it may provide to RA patients. Approval of Otezla gives patients a new option to manage their chronic disease along with other DMARDs and biologic drugs. There are some limitations to consider when taking into account the effectiveness of Otezla for the treatment of RA.
There was no significant reduction in the symptoms of RA with Otezla alone or with Otezla combined with other DMARDs or biologic drugs. The results found for Otezla were similar to those of a placebo, which means that no significant improvement was found with the use of Otezla.
Conclusion
Otezla is an effective treatment for RA patients who have moderate or severe symptoms. It works by inhibiting the cytokine IL-6, which is released in response to an injury. In people with RA, however, the immune system is chronically activated, leading to chronic inflammation. Otezla works by inhibiting the cytokine IL-6 at the source. The benefits of Otezla include its safety, ease of use, and effectiveness. It can be used either alone or in combination with other medications.