Sticking With Meds Lowers Lupus Patients' Diabetes Risk

FRIDAY, Feb. 21, 2020 -- Taking their medications as prescribed significantly lowers lupus patients' risk of developing diabetes, a new study finds.

Type 2 diabetes is a common complication of lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause damaging inflammation in many organs, as well as rashes, fatigue and joint pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Low Folate Levels Raise Heart Risks

MONDAY, March 2, 2020 -- Low folate levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a new study suggests.

People with RA have a 60% increased risk of dying from heart disease, but the reasons have been unclear.

FDA Approves Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Pataday for OTC Use

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19, 2020 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three drugs for nonprescription, over-the-counter use -- Voltaren Arthritis Pain (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1 percent), Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine HCl ophthalmic solution/drops, 0.1 percent), and Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine HCl ophthalmic solution/drops, 0.2 percent) -- the agency announced Friday.

All three products will now be marketed as nonprescription drugs and will no longer be available as prescription drugs. For the drugs to switch to nonprescription status, data had to demonstrate the drugs' safety and efficacy for self-medication use as directed in proposed labeling, according to the FDA.

Study Probes Side Effects of Methotrexate, Used for Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 -- Many Americans battling autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis turn to a long-used drug, methotrexate, for relief.

But until now there's been little comprehensive research on side effects tied to the drug.