bdmards

Targeted Therapies Alliance

PSA has joined NPS MedicineWise and seven other organisations representing pharmacists, specialists, consumers and research experts to form the Targeted Therapies Alliance. The Alliance provides stewardship and direction about the safe and wise use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and other specialised medicines.

Practical tools for inflammatory arthritis

The Alliance has developed information and resources for health professionals and consumers, including practical tools for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Resources for pharmacists

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and inflammatory arthritis
  This PSA article examines the role of MTX and b/tsDMARDS in the management of RA, PsA and AS, and highlights the role of pharmacists in supporting these patients to improve their quality of life and activities of daily living. Note: Non-members will need to create a free account to access this article.
• An Australian living guideline for the pharmacological management of inflammatory arthritis
  This living guideline presents the best available, current scientific evidence for pharmacological management of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis (namely RA, PsA and axial SpA), including choice of DMARD, switching, combination therapy and down-titration of treatment.
  
• Supporting safe practices for low-dose methotrexate: Position statement on the use of low-dose methotrexate (PDF)
  This position statement from the Council of Australian Therapeutic Advisory Groups (CATAG) aims to provide clear information on safety for those dispensing and administering low-dose methotrexate and assists them with providing reassurance to people undergoing treatment with low-dose methotrexate.
  

For more information, visit the Rheumatology conditions for health professionals page on the NPS MedicineWise website.

Patient resources

• Video: Living with methotrexate
  In this video, consumer Suzanne talks about her treatment journey and the impact methotrexate has had on her rheumatoid arthritis.
• Methotrexate action plan (PDF)
  This action plan can help patients discuss methotrexate with their rheumatologist and plan the best way to take their medicine.
  

For more information, visit the Rheumatology conditions for consumers page on the NPS MedicineWise website.

Dermatology and gastroenterology interventions

The Alliance is currently working closely with dermatology and gastroenterology professional and consumer organisations to design and develop resources and materials for these conditions, and these will be available from mid-2021.