Survey: Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Still Experience Pain Despite Treatment
Eight out of 10 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reported experiencing pain every day or multiple times a week, according to the results of a new survey.1
The survey, Honesty RA, was conducted by Sanofi and Regeneron pharmaceutical companies to better understand patients’ needs for treatment and support. A total of 1004 participants over the age of 18 with RA and in need of treatment stronger than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs completed an online survey between July 25 and August 8, 2016, which was administered by Edelman Intelligence on behalf of Sanofi and Regeneron.
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Overall, 74% of patients reported that “their treatments don’t always work as well as they would like,” and 58% reported that they did not consult their doctor immediately if their treatment was no longer effective. Reasons for delaying communicating with their doctor about treatment for RA included the following:
- 41% of patients reported that they believed their symptoms would resolve on their own.
- 37% of patients reported not wanting stronger medications with more side effects.
- 23% of patients reported that they believed they could handle their symptoms without additional assistance.
“The Honestly RA results reveal there is a clear need for more support of RA patients – from management of the disease impact on their life to the conversations that they have with their physicians. Many patients are dissatisfied with their current treatment and express frustration when a switch in treatment is needed. That’s why physicians and the broader support community need to engage those patients who may be struggling to meet their treatment goals in an open conversation.”2
—Melissa Weiss
Reference:
1) Honesty RA rheumatoid arthritis survey results summary. Honestly RA. http://honestlyra.com/?page=82e2d08c-23a5-4c1f-afc2-9344d1d71012®ions=media:d969eac0-1f97-4639-9a3c-e11d004b45c4. February 2017. Accessed May 2, 2017.
2) Survey results show eighty percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients report life-altering pain daily or multiple times a week, despite treatment [press release]. Tarrytown, NY and Bridgewater, NJ: Regeneron; May 2, 2017. http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/REGN/4401820126x0x940320/cb6ea08d-7d73-4cda-ac31-78ecb444187d/REGN_News_2017_5_2_General_Releases.pdf