Understanding arthritis treatment

More than half of patients with rheumatoid arthritis don’t take their treatment as prescribed, according to research by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

Tracy French, a clinical nurse specialist, recommends making the most of your time with your consultant.

“Use the ASK approach,” advises Tracy. “Address your main concerns at the start of your consultation. Share details of all symptoms with your consultant, prioritising the most detrimental to your life. Know as much as you can about the prescribed treatment, including what format you can take it in, side effects, how long it can take to work and other options if it fails to work.”