Rheumatology Ask The Experts

Ask the Experts: Rheumatology

Medscape's Ask the Experts allows you to ask members of a panel of leading experts for advice or information. You also have the opportunity to share your own views and insights by clicking the "Discuss this" link at the top of each response.

Ask the Experts

Antirheumatic Drugs and Pregnancy: A Primer Dr. Robert Fox reviews the safety of antirheumatic drugs in pregnant patients or in those wishing to conceive.
Ask the Experts, December 2011
Do Biologics Cause Cancer? Do the newer biologics for rheumatologic diseases increase risk for cancer?
Ask the Experts, August 2011
How Can I Help Patients Get Their Medications? Resources are available to assist patients who cannot afford their medications.
Ask the Experts, July 2011
Can Belimumab Patients Be Immunized? Does the use of this biologic for lupus preclude vaccine administration?
Ask the Experts, June 2011
After Propoxyphene: Alternate Pain Medications What options are available now that propoxyphene is off the market?
Ask the Experts, May 2011
Should Belimumab Have Been Approved? Belimumab was recently approved by the FDA to treat lupus in combination with standard therapies. Dr. Stephen Paget discusses when this drug might come in handy (and when it won't).
Ask the Experts, March 2011
Is it Safe to Conceive While on Methotrexate? Is it safe to conceive while the man or woman is taking methotrexate? Dr. Stephen Paget answers this question and reviews which rheumatologic medications are contraindicated in pregnancy.
Ask the Experts, January 2011
What Do I Do With a Woman Who Is Pregnant and on Biologics? With the increasing use of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, more women of childbearing age are taking these agents. Should they stop during pregnancy, and if so, when?
Ask the Experts, January 2011
The Best Treatment For Active Lupus Dr. Stephen Paget reviews treatment algorithms for common lupus manifestations.
Ask the Experts, December 2010
Can Levofloxacin Cause Muscle and Joint Pain? Much is known about tendonitis and tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolones. But what about myalgia and arthralgia?
Ask the Experts, December 2010
How Can I Help Teens Who Are Victims of Cyberbullying? I cared for an adolescent recently who told me about some disturbing experiences she had online with other teens. It sounds like cyberbullying. How can I help her?
Ask the Experts, October 2010
Should You Treat a Symptom-free RA Patient With Evidence of Inflammation? A physician reader writes in about a patient with RA who is feeling fine but is showing evidence of inflammation, and wonders if he should "leave well enough alone"?
Ask the Experts, September 2010
Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2010 Dr. Stephen Paget explores the appropriate treatment of ankylosing spondylitis based on up-to-date evidence.
Ask the Experts, August 2010
How To Choose An Anti-TNF Agent in RA Dr. Stephen Paget explores whether or not all anti-TNFs should be created equal in RA.
Ask the Experts, July 2010
Prescription Monitoring Programs: Do They Work? How well do prescription monitoring programs detect and solve doctor shopping for prescription pain medication?
Ask the Experts, July 2010
How Will the REMS Affect Pain Care? You still have until October to express your views about the proposed REMS regulations for opioid prescribing.
Ask the Experts, June 2010
Is Strontium Useful for Osteoporosis? A literature review examines the evidence for strontium use in osteoporosis.
Ask the Experts, January 2010
What Should Patients Do With Unused Narcotics? Clinicians often tell patients to save their remaining narcotics for "next time." According to guidelines, this may not be the best advice.
Ask the Experts, November 2009
Opioid Contracts in Primary Care Opioid contracts are not prevalent in primary care.
Ask the Experts, November 2009
Can Opioid Tolerance Be Treated by Increasing the Opioid Dose? Treatment for reduced pain control in patients receiving long-term opioid treatment depends on the etiology of the breakthrough pain.
Ask the Experts, September 2009

Disclaimer
The information in this web site reflects the views of the authors only and not Medscape. These materials may discuss uses and dosages for therapeutic products that have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. A qualified health care professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before treating patients or utilizing any therapies noted in this program.