Adults
Established RA: treatment change or review
Known RA needing escalation, a switch, a biologic, a taper discussion or a second opinion.
What to look for
- Persistent disease activity despite DMARDs, or side effects
- Questions about biologics or targeted therapy, or tapering in sustained remission
- Pregnancy planning (this one is often urgent; see co-management)
What to do
- Continue the current DMARDs and monitoring.
- Document swollen and tender joints, morning stiffness, recent ESR/CRP, current and past DMARDs (doses, dates, reasons stopped), and the specific question.
- A flare with new joint swelling is more urgent. Call for advice.
About this urgency level
These benefit from rheumatology input but are not time-critical. Treatment can often begin, or continue, in primary care while the patient waits.
Timeframes are typical targets. Local pathways, capacity and clinical judgment come first.