Glossary
- anti-TNFs
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A class of biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) that targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), one of the chemical messengers involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- B-cell
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A type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow, where it matures through different stages into a plasma cell. Plasma cells are involved in fighting infections by producing antibodies that bring about an immune response. Mature B-cells are found within the blood, lymph, and connective tissue
- 1 course of treatment
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With Rituxan (Rituximab), 1 course of treatment is 2 intravenous (IV) infusions given 2 weeks apart. Subsequent courses are determined with the help of a doctor
- B-cell targeted therapy
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A treatment that selectively reduces the number of B-cells in the blood
- biologic
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A biologic is a treatment made from proteins produced in living cells.
- chronic
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Lasting for a long period of time or marked by frequent recurrence
- DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
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A category of drugs used in rheumatoid arthritis to slow down the development of the disease.
- glucocorticoids
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A group of hormones including a series of synthetic products - prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone - often used to temporarily suppress the immune system
- indication
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Approved use of a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- inflammation
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The reaction of body tissues to injury, such as irritation in the lining of the joints. Inflammation is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function
- intravenous (IV) infusion
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The placement of a fluid into the bloodstream. The fluid is injected through a catheter - a long narrow tube that has been inserted into a vein - and is pumped in or flows in by gravity
- methotrexate
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Used in the treatment of RA, methotrexate belongs to a category of drugs known as DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
- moderate-to-severe RA
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An advanced state of RA often indicated by more intense pain and symptoms, greater difficulty performing daily tasks, and even loss of movement
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
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A chronic disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the bodys joints and other tissues in the body
- side effect
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An unwanted effect of a drug that is potentially harmful
- symptom
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A sign or an indication of a disorder or disease, especially when experienced by an individual as a change from normal function, sensation, or appearance
- T-cell
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A type of white blood cell found in the immune system that comes from bone marrow and migrates to the thymus gland, where it matures into several types of T-cells before spreading to different parts of the body
