Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a long-lasting autoimmune disease. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains that RA occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, mostly the lining of the joints, and often affects joints in a symmetrical pattern, such as both hands or both knees. It can also cause fatigue, occasional fevers, and problems in other organs.

RA is different from osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear arthritis that comes with age. Treatment aims to control inflammation and prevent joint damage, and often includes disease-modifying drugs, biologic medicines, and newer drugs called JAK inhibitors.

RA appears in drug safety cases because many of its treatments suppress the immune system and carry serious risks. In 2021, after a large safety trial, the FDA required new warnings about an increased risk of serious heart-related events, cancer, blood clots, and death for the JAK inhibitor Xeljanz (tofacitinib), and required updated warnings for Olumiant and Rinvoq. Claims involving arthritis medicines generally turn on whether a manufacturer knew about a risk and warned patients and doctors adequately and in time.

These are individual injury claims and depend on medical records showing the drug, the timing, and the diagnosis. Never stop an RA medicine without talking to your doctor. For background, see our guides on class actions versus mass torts and what a lawsuit investigation means.