If you live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sooner or later you’ll face some very specific questions: “What treatment am I on now?”, “When should I start to see improvement?”, “What if I don’t respond?”, “What tests will I have to undergo?” In this series of videos from Vivo con Artritis, I summarize, in a clear and organized format, what I’ve learned as a patient about the main treatments used for RA.

Here we discuss the major therapeutic groups, with a realistic approach and without sensationalism:

FAMEs / Conventional DMARDs: methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine.

Biologics: anti-TNF (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab, golimumab), anti-IL-6 (tocilizumab, sarilumab), anti-CD20 (rituximab), and others.

JAK inhibitors: tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, filgotinib.

In each video, I try to address what really matters in day-to-day life: what to expect in the first few weeks, how to understand concepts like disease activity or remission, what “changing treatment” means, and which symptoms are worth mentioning during your appointment. You’ll also find ideas for improving adherence (routines, reminders, organization), and practical strategies that many of us patients use to manage daily life with RA.

Important: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on my experience and common questions from patients. It is not medical advice, does not replace your rheumatologist, and I do not recommend changes to your medication or dosage. If you have new symptoms, side effects, or questions about your treatment, please consult your rheumatology team.

If you’d like to watch the entire series, here’s the playlist and the recommended order to follow it, from the basics to comparisons and specific situations (vaccines, infections, travel, treatment changes, corticosteroids as a “therapeutic bridge,” etc.).

RheumatoidArthritis #RA Treatments #Methotrexate #Biologics #JAK Inhibitors

1 Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis: Which one should you choose?

In this video from “Living with Arthritis,” I’ll walk you through—patient to patient—the full spectrum of treatments for rheumatoid arthritis: from classic DMARDs (cDMARDs) to biologics and JAK inhibitors. If these terms sound familiar but you’re not sure what each one does, how long they take to work, or what real risks they carry, this video is for you.

Together, we’ll explore:

What traditional DMARDs are and why they remain the cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

When switching to a biologic is typically considered and what you can expect from them in real life.

What JAK inhibitors offer, what their advantages are (such as oral administration), and which safety considerations should be discussed with your rheumatologist.

How treatment is decided and when it makes sense to consider a change if the goal isn’t met.

All explained in clear language, from the perspective of a patient with RA who has gone through different stages of treatment and has had to learn through questions, fears, and many lab tests.

2 Methotrexate Step by Step: Realistic Expectations and Practical Considerations in Arthritis

Are you starting methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and feeling anxious about what lies ahead? In this video, I’ll explain—based on a patient’s real-life experience—what results you can expect, how long it usually takes to see improvements, which lab tests your rheumatologist will review, and which side effects are most commonly reported… along with practical tips for improving tolerance without overreacting.

You’ll learn how to organize your week, how to interpret signs of response (less stiffness, less pain, improved function), and what questions to bring to your appointment to get the most out of your treatment.

It’s designed for adults with RA—whether newly diagnosed or adjusting their treatment—and for those seeking clear, realistic information: no scaremongering or magical promises, just practical tools and a hopeful approach.

3 Leflunomide – Lab Tests, Side Effects, and Practical Advice for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In this video, I’ll share my real-life experience with leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis: how I felt when I started, how long it took to notice an improvement, and how I managed blood tests and side effects in everyday life.
If your rheumatologist has suggested leflunomide, or if you’re already taking it and have concerns about liver issues, hair loss, diarrhea, or fatigue, here you’ll find a clear, patient-to-patient explanation.

We’ll cover:
What to expect in the first few weeks and months
How to better understand your follow-up blood tests
Common side effects and how I dealt with them
Practical tips for better tolerating the medication (routines, hydration, symptom diary)
Key questions to bring to your next rheumatology appointment
My experience does not replace that of your rheumatologist; use these ideas as a guide to better prepare your questions and make decisions together with your medical team.
Do not change or stop your treatment without first consulting a healthcare professional.

4 Things No One Tells You About Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you’ve been prescribed sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s normal to feel a mix of relief and concern. In this video, I’ll share my experience as a patient: when these medications typically help, what realistic expectations to have in the first few weeks, what their limitations are, and how I managed to cope with the treatment without living in fear.

We’ll clearly discuss:
Differences between sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine
How long it usually takes to notice the effects (without getting discouraged)
Side effects many patients mention and practical day-to-day tips
Lab tests, check-ups, and signs to discuss with your rheumatologist
Useful questions for your next appointment
Note: This content is informational and based on my personal experience living with RA. It is not medical advice and does not replace your rheumatologist’s assessment. If you have concerning symptoms or adverse effects, consult your healthcare team.

5 Biologic Anti-TNF Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Choose and What to Watch For

Have you heard about anti-TNF biologics for rheumatoid arthritis and are left with a million questions? In this video, I explain—from my experience as a patient—how people typically choose between adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab, or golimumab; what signs helped me tell if the treatment was working; and how to approach the issue of safety without living in fear.

You’ll learn:
What an anti-TNF drug is and why it’s used for RA
What factors typically influence the choice between them (treatment pathway, logistics, medical history)
What to expect in the first 2–12 weeks and how to measure progress using 3 simple metrics
Common screenings (TB, hepatitis), vaccinations, and what to discuss if an infection arises
Helpful questions for your next rheumatology appointment
This content is informative and based on personal experiences and general guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your rheumatologist’s assessment. If you notice any adverse effects or concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare team.

6 – Rheumatoid Arthritis: IL-6 Treatment—My Experience and Signs of Response Without Any Setbacks

Today I’m going to talk about a class of treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that often raises a lot of questions: anti-IL-6 drugs, such as tocilizumab and sarilumab. Drawing from my experience as a patient, I’ll explain what “blocking IL-6” means in plain language, what changes are usually noticed first (pain, stiffness, energy, and function), and why it’s important to look beyond “good lab results.”

I’ll also address a key point: with anti-IL-6 drugs, certain markers like CRP can drop significantly, and that can change how we interpret inflammation. That’s why I’ll discuss “realistic” monitoring—symptoms + function + lab results—and how to prepare for a productive conversation with your rheumatologist using concrete, everyday examples.

This video is for you if:

you’ve been offered a switch to an anti-IL-6 drug or are considering it,

you want to understand what’s being monitored and why, or you need reassurance and a mental roadmap so you don’t get lost in all the jargon.

7 – Rituximab for RA: When Does It Take Effect, How Long Does It Last, and What Are the Actual Side Effects?

If your rheumatologist has mentioned Rituximab (anti-CD20) for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s normal to have questions: what the infusions are like, how long it takes to work, how long a treatment cycle might last, and what side effects are most common in real life.

In this video, I’ll explain it all based on my experience as a patient, using clear language and without causing alarm, so you can go into your appointment with better questions and greater peace of mind.

We’ll discuss what “anti-CD20” means (and why it targets B cells), how a treatment cycle is typically organized, what premedication is and why it’s necessary, and how to gauge your response without obsessing over a single day.

I also go over the most common side effects related to the infusion, the post-infusion fatigue that some of us experience, and the warning signs that warrant immediate consultation. Plus, I’ll share some practical tips: what to bring to the infusion room and how to track your progress so your rheumatologist has useful information.

8 – Anti-JAK Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Cancer and Thrombosis?

Have you heard about JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, filgotinib, etc.) for rheumatoid arthritis and aren’t sure whether to be excited or worried?

In this video, I explain it in plain language and from my own experience as a patient, so you can understand what they are, why they can work so well, and what aspects you should keep an eye on—calmly and without causing alarm.

You’ll learn what the JAK/STAT pathway means, what the real pros are (convenience of oral treatment and potential improvements within weeks), and, most importantly, the critical aspects: safety and monitoring. We’ll discuss infections, cardiovascular risk factors, thrombosis, and cancer in certain patient profiles, and why your rheumatologist evaluates your “full picture” (age, smoking status, medical history, comorbidities) before making a decision. I’ve also included a list of helpful questions for your rheumatologist and pharmacist, so you can arrive at your appointment with fewer doubts and more control over the situation.