All living well guides
Taking your medicine
Sticking with Your Treatment Plan
Medicines only work if they’re taken as prescribed, and many work slowly.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Most DMARDs take 6 to 12 weeks to show benefit. Stopping early, or when you feel better, is a common cause of flares.
What you can do
Use pill organizers, phone reminders or link doses to a daily habit. Keep a list of side effects to discuss rather than stopping on your own. Ask about patient assistance if cost is a barrier.
Call your care team if
Side effects are making it hard to continue, or you’ve missed several doses.
At a glance
Topic
Taking your medicine
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.