Knowledge is power

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IV/Infused or self-injectable biologics:

Your rheumatologist may talk with you about a type of medication called a biologic. This type of medication is used to treat people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Remember to take time for 5

Knowledge is power

As part of a biologic conversation, consider these 5 key elements*

1 2

3

Benefits of biologic treatment

Important safety considerations

Two ways to take your medication

Biologic treatment can be administered as an infusion or by self-injection. It is important to discuss both options with your rheumatologist so that together you can decide which would fit better into your lifestyle.

4

Affordability and financial considerations

5

Available brand options

IV/Infused biologic treatment

Self-injected biologic treatment

For adults with moderate to severe RA

For adults with moderate to severe RA

Treatment will be given in my office or in a local infusion center.

Treatment is usually self-injected at home after a nurse or I have properly trained you.

The medication is delivered through a needle placed in a vein, usually in your arm.

The medication is injected under the skin.

Depending on the medication you choose, the length of each infusion can be 30 minutes to several hours, every 4 weeks to less frequently.

Depending on the medication you choose, the frequency of injections ranges from once a week to once a month.

A trained healthcare provider will check your vital signs and health to confirm it’s safe for you to receive treatment. He or she will then prepare and give you the infusion, as well as monitor you during and after treatment. A healthcare provider will be on site during the entire process.

The treatment usually comes in an injection device prefilled with your medication, which needs to be stored in your refrigerator and disposed of properly after your injection.

*Data on file: Janssen market research.

Which do you prefer? The more you know, the more empowered you’ll be to take control of your RA and choose the treatment that is right for you.

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The more you know… The more informed you are, the more prepared you’ll be to take part in your treatment decisions. Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about your condition and available treatment options. AdvocacyConnector.com The Advocacy Connector is a resource designed to help patients and healthcare providers connect with relevant advocacy groups. All you need to do is enter information about your condition and the types of advocacy groups you want to learn more about, and the Advocacy Connector will do the rest.

Arthritis.org Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday challenges through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community connections. We are the Champion of Yes—charting a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life, and making each day another stride towards a cure.

CreakyJoints.org CreakyJoints® is a patient-centered research organization for people with all forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease. As a part of the not-for-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, CreakyJoints provides a community for more than 80,000 patients and family members seeking resources and support.

JointDecisions.com

Notes

Joint Decisions™ is an educational initiative to support and empower people living with RA. JointDecisions.com offers resources for people with RA to learn to take a more active role in the management of their disease and have more open and honest conversations with their healthcare team. Visit the site today to download tools and videos to prepare for visits with your rheumatologist, learn more about treatment and cost support, tap into wellness tips for RA, and register for upcoming web chats and events.

Joint Decisions™ is brought to you by Janssen Biotech, Inc. © Janssen Biotech, Inc. 2015 07/15 035496-150609

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To learn more, visit

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