Before you ask your doctor about JAK inhibitors, do your homework! It’s important to be an active participant in your care, and a big part of that is educating yourself and working with your doctor to make decisions about your treatment options. We’re here to help. Here’s what’s happening in your body when you have RA: A healthy immune system protects the body by attacking foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, but with RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Part of that immune response is to cause inflammation, which over time causes joint tissues to swell and thicken. Left untreated, RA can lead to permanent joint damage and deformity. DMARDs can not only help reduce inflammation but also prevent long-term damage. JAK inhibitors are the newest type of DMARD. They work much differently than traditional DMARDs such as methotrexate, which suppress the entire immune system to reduce inflammation. JAK inhibitors target a very specific pathway that is critical to how RA develops and progresses. When that pathway is blocked, immune cells aren’t able to signal their attack on the joints, inflammation doesn’t develop, and — if successful — you don’t experience the symptoms and damage caused by RA. Before JAK inhibitors were first introduced, the most targeted type of RA medication was a class of drugs called biologics, which were deemed to be a very effective RA treatment. But JAK inhibitors work in an even more targeted way, and research is proving that they’re just as — if not more — effective as certain types of biologics. “JAK inhibitors are another option for many patients,” adds Smith, “but it really is a discussion between the patient and their physician on the most appropriate option.” You’ve learned a lot about JAK inhibitors. So, what’s next? Take some time to absorb all of this info and decide if JAK inhibitors are something you might want to consider.
