title: Diagnosis and treatment of early active rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: A 59-year-old patient comes to a community pharmacy with unexplained, worsening bilateral foot pain and inflammation. Following evaluation of the situation, the pharmacist suggests that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis (RA). After a visit and consultation with her physician, the patient begins a complicated, rapidly evolving therapeutic regimen for RA. Through extensive counseling and education, the pharmacist is able to help the patient better manage her new medication regimen and understand expected outcomes. Pharmacists can play a very active role in helping patients with RA manage their therapies to optimize health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Pharmacy, Richmond, VA 23298-0533, USA. kacappuzzo@vcu.edu
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Cappuzzo
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010595:Pharmacists; D024382:Professional Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents