Injection Rheumatoid Arthritis: What You Need to Know

Injection Rheumatoid Arthritis: What You Need to Know Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage in the joints and other organs. It can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility and function. RA can also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

There is no cure for RA, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

One of the treatments for RA is injection therapy, also known as subcutaneous or intramuscular therapy. This involves receiving medication through a needle or a syringe under the skin or into the muscle. Injection therapy can deliver high doses of medication that may not be absorbed well by the mouth or the skin. Injection therapy can also target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation and damage in RA. Injection therapy is usually reserved for people with moderate to severe RA who have not responded well to other medications, such as oral or injectable disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics. Injection therapy can also be used in combination with other treatments, such as steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or painkillers.

There are several types of injection therapy available for RA, each with different mechanisms of action, benefits, and risks. Some of the most common ones are:

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Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®, Trexall®): This medication belongs to a class of DMARDs called antimetabolites. Methotrexate interferes with the metabolism of folic acid, a vitamin that is essential for the growth and division of cells. Methotrexate can reduce the production of inflammatory cells and factors in RA. Methotrexate can be taken orally or by injection once a week. The injection form may have fewer side effects and better absorption than the oral form.

Etanercept (Enbrel®): This medication belongs to a class of biologics called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. TNF is a protein that promotes inflammation and joint damage in RA. Etanercept can block the action of TNF and reduce the inflammation and pain in RA. Etanercept is given by injection under the skin once or twice a week.

Adalimumab (Humira®): This medication is another TNF inhibitor. Adalimumab can also block the action of TNF and reduce the inflammation and pain in RA. Adalimumab is given by injection under the skin every other week.

Infliximab (Remicade®): This medication is also a TNF inhibitor. Infliximab can also block the action of TNF and reduce the inflammation and pain in RA. Infliximab is given by infusion into a vein every eight weeks, after an initial loading dose of once every two weeks for the first three doses. Infliximab is usually given in combination with methotrexate.

Abatacept (Orencia®): This medication belongs to a class of biologics called T-cell costimulatory blockers. T cells are a type of white blood cell that triggers inflammation in RA. Abatacept can block the activation of T cells and reduce the signs and symptoms of RA, as well as slow down the progression of joint damage. Abatacept can be given by infusion into a vein once a month, after an initial loading dose of once every two weeks for the first three doses, or by injection under the skin once a week.

Rituximab (Rituxan®): This medication belongs to a class of biologics called B-cell depleters. B cells are another type of white blood cell that produces antibodies that attack the joints in RA. Rituximab can deplete the B cells and reduce the inflammation and joint damage in RA. Rituximab is given by infusion into a vein every six months, after an initial loading dose of two infusions spaced two weeks apart. Rituximab is usually given in combination with methotrexate.

Tocilizumab (Actemra®): This medication belongs to a class of biologics called interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists. IL-6 is another protein that stimulates inflammation and joint damage in RA. Tocilizumab can block the activity of IL-6 and improve the signs and symptoms of RA, as well as prevent the progression of joint damage. Tocilizumab can be given by infusion into a vein once every four weeks, or by injection under the skin once a week or once every two weeks.

Injection therapy can be effective for many people with RA, but it also has some potential side effects and risks. Some of the common side effects include:

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Injection site reactions: These are redness, swelling, pain, or itching at the site of the injection. They can be prevented or treated by applying ice, changing the injection site, or using topical creams or antihistamines.

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Infections: Injection therapy can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections, such as bacterial, viral, fungal, or opportunistic infections. Some of these infections can be serious or fatal, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, herpes zoster, or pneumocystis pneumonia. Infections can be prevented or treated by screening for latent infections before starting injection therapy, by vaccinating against preventable infections, by avoiding exposure to sick people, and by seeking medical attention if signs of infection occur, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or urinary problems.

Liver problems: Injection therapy can cause liver damage or inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain. Liver problems can be detected by regular blood tests and treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the injection therapy if needed.

Blood problems: Injection therapy can affect the production of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. This can lead to symptoms such as anemia, infections, or bleeding. Blood problems can be detected by regular blood tests and treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the injection therapy if needed.

Injection therapy can be a helpful option for people with RA who have not found relief with other treatments. However, it is not a cure for RA, and it may not work for everyone. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of injection therapy with your doctor, and to follow the instructions and precautions for receiving and monitoring the treatment. You should also report any side effects or problems to your doctor as soon as possible.

Another option for pain relief that you may want to consider is scienlodic red light therapy.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate the healing and regeneration of cells and tissues. Red light therapy can reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints and muscles, as well as improve the

skin, hair, and mood. Red light therapy can be done at home with a device such as a red light therapy belt, which can be wrapped around the affected area and activated for a few minutes a day. Red light therapy is safe, painless, and has no known side effects.

Several studies have shown the benefits of red light therapy for RA. For example, a study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology in 2016 found that red light therapy improved the pain, function, and quality of life of patients with RA compared to a placebo group1. Another study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science in 2017 found that red light therapy combined with exercise reduced the pain and inflammation of patients with RA compared to exercise alone2. A third study published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences in 2018 found that red light therapy enhanced the effects of methotrexate in patients with RA compared to methotrexate alone3.

If you are interested in trying red light therapy for RA, you can check out the scienlodic website, which offers a variety of red light therapy wrap devices for different purposes, such as pain relief, weight loss, hair growth, and skin rejuvenation. You can also read the customer reviews and testimonials to see how others have benefited from red light therapy. Red light therapy is a natural and effective way to enhance your health and well-being, and it may be a good complement to your RA treatment plan.

I hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. I would love to hear from you and learn about your experience with RA and red light therapy. Thank you for reading and have a great day!