Most people with rheumatoid arthritis have life-altering pain daily or multiple times a week despite treatment – new survey

A survey has revealed that there is significant unmet need amongst people living with rheumatoid arthritis in terms of treatments and support.Data from over 1,000 adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the US shows that that even after treatment, about 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis experience pain daily or multiple times per week.

This pain is so significant that even after treatment, 64% of people say it prevents them from carrying out from daily activities and celebrations.

Other findings

People in the group surveyed had tried an average of more than four prescription medications in the last five years.

More support is needed, particularly when it comes to conversations with physicians about treatments. Most of the people surveyed said that doctors are their go-to source for information on treatment options, but 58% delay seeing a doctor right away if their treatment stops working: 41% delay because they think the symptoms will go away on their own; and 37% delay because they don’t want to switch to a perceived stronger medication with potentially more side effects.

The group felt a lack of empathy from people around them; 90% said that given rheumatoid arthritis is a largely “invisible” disease, it is frustrating when others do not understand how much pain they are in.

The survey was conducted by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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