When initial therapy proves insufficient, treatment escalation includes: Biologic DMARDs targeting specific inflammatory pathways (TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, T-cell costimulation blockers, B-cell depleting agents) Targeted synthetic DMARDs such as JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib), which carry FDA boxed warnings for serious cardiovascular events, malignancy, and thrombosis [24] [25] Combination DMARD therapy Short-term glucocorticoids for symptom control during treatment initiation Before starting biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs, screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis B is recommended, along with appropriate vaccinations according to ACR guidelines
However, her provider resubmitted through the sleep apnea pathway, documenting her moderate-to-severe OSA, CPAP failure, and BMI
Autophagy, inflammation, and immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis
In short
Learn how long treatment may last and what to expect along the way: Important reminder that GLP-1 receptor agonists are part of a long-term strategy, not a quick fix
Take, for example, Martina Big's story