Newly approved rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments may seem at first riskier than they truly are, according to a recent study. That may have more to do with who receives them early on than the drugs themselves.

Researchers in Sweden tracked around 23,000 people living with RA who started biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) from 2006 to 2021. These advanced treatments target specific parts of the immune system to control inflammation in RA — usually after other treatments haven’t worked well.

They found that serious side effects — including heart problems, blood clots, cancer, and serious infections — were about 25 percent more common during the first two years after a new drug class entered the market, compared to five or more years later.

Researchers attributed this difference to who received the drugs when they were first approved versus who received them later. New treatments are more often prescribed to people with more severe or difficult-to-treat RA, who are already at higher risk for complications. As these treatments become more familiar, they’re offered to a broader group, including people who may be healthier overall, which lowers the average risk of side effects seen in later years.

Targeted and biologic DMARDs still come with a risk of side effects, as do any other treatments. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Rare but serious risks include an increased chance of serious infections, blood clots, certain cancers, and heart problems. These risks vary depending on the specific medication and the individual’s overall health. That’s why it’s important to have a personalized discussion with your doctor when considering new treatment options.

Always Discuss Potential Side Effects With Your Doctor

If you’re considering a newer RA treatment, it’s important to know that early reports of side effects often reflect experiences of people with more severe disease. As treatments are used more widely, the average risk often appears lower. Over time, researchers found that serious side effects were less common as more people with milder RA started to use them.

This doesn’t mean risks don’t exist, but it highlights why it’s important to look at the full picture. Talk with your rheumatologist about your overall health, past treatments, and how new therapies might fit into your care plan. You can also ask how long a drug has been on the market and what new data shows about its long-term safety.

Learn more about the latest treatments for RA, including how they work and what side effects they may cause.

Find Your Team

On myRAteam, the social network for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with RA.

Have you ever tried a new RA drug soon after it was released? What was your experience like? Did you notice side effects, or did it help you feel better? Share your thoughts in the comments below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.