Blog

In my new column for CreakyJoints Canada, I look at some of the obstacles to getting the RA medications you need and share tips to break down the barriers:

““It’s important to treat rheumatoid arthritis early and aggressively.”

It’s a statement we often hear in interviews with rheumatologists, articles about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and at doctor’s appointments. There’s no arguing with this statement is true, but as with so many things in life, reality can get in the way.

Let’s look at some of the obstacles to getting the medications you need and tips on how to break down the barriers. 

Barriers to Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

There are several barriers to RA treatment, the first being getting an appointment with a rheumatologist. Previously in this space, I have discussed the shortage of rheumatologists in Canada, which can play a significant role in delaying diagnosis, often by months. And when a diagnosis is delayed, so is treatment.  

Even when you do finally get a prescription, there are no guarantees that your first medication will be the one to treat your RA. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have a test that reveals which medication will work best for you, so finding one that effectively and quickly suppresses your symptoms can involve a process of trial and error.

Make sure to tell your rheumatologist how RA impacts your life and share any changes you may have noticed after taking a new medication. This will help your doctor tweak your treatment as needed. 

But there is another big barrier to RA treatment that we rarely talk about in Canada: the cost of medication. Although we have universal health care that covers the cost of doctors’ appointments and medical tests, we are left to our own devices when it comes to paying for the medication our doctors prescribe.  

Although the current federal government has inched closer to creating a national Pharmacare system that would include medication in Canada’s universal health care system, it is not yet a reality. When you live with a chronic illness like RA, the cost of medication can be quite high, especially if you have received a prescription for a Biologic or biosimilar that can cost thousands of dollars a year. Prioritizing your health is important, but in the face of rising costs, there is only so much money to go around. “

Read my colunm on accessing the RA treatment you need on CreakyJoints Canada.