In this episode, we’ll be talking about methotrexate and clarifying how it is used in rheumatology settings. Methotrexate is one of the main medications used to slow or stop the progression of autoimmune arthritis and reduce disease activity.



We’ll hear from Janine Fisher, a patient who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 31 years. Janine shares her journey with methotrexate, starting with her initial concerns about taking it. She has tried various other treatments over the years and now uses methotrexate successfully in combination with a biologic medication to manage her condition.



Rheumatologist, Dr Irwin Lim will explain why methotrexate is widely used as a front-line treatment for many forms of autoimmune arthritis. He will also explain how it can safely be used by most people and dispel the myths that have developed around it.

In this episode, we’ll be talking about methotrexate and clarifying how it is used in rheumatology settings. Methotrexate is one of the main medications used to slow or stop the progression of autoimmune arthritis and reduce disease activity.
 
We’ll hear from Janine Fisher, a patient who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 31 years. Janine shares her journey with methotrexate, starting with her initial concerns about taking it. She has tried various other treatments over the years and now uses methotrexate successfully in combination with a biologic medication to manage her condition.
 
Rheumatologist, Dr Irwin Lim will explain why methotrexate is widely used as a front-line treatment for many forms of autoimmune arthritis. He will also explain how it can safely be used by most people and dispel the myths that have developed around it.

Patient PrepRheum is a podcast exploring important and often-misunderstood aspects of living with autoimmune arthritis and related conditions here in Australia. We'll speak with fellow patients and renowned doctors to help gain a better understanding of some of the less talked about topics of managing these diseases.

At CreakyJoints Australia we are on a mission to raise awareness and deepen the collective understanding of arthritis, a disease which has more than 200 variations, empowering patients to put themselves at the centre of their own health. 

In Patient PrepRheum, we are looking at three key areas:
Biosimilars - a group of biologic medicines used to slow and stop the progression of Autoimmune arthritis;
How medications are approved via the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; and
the importance of good patient-doctor communication.

Hosted by CreakyJoints Australia National Coordinator Naomi Creek. 

For more information, visit the CreakyJoints Australia website.

Patient PrepRheum is a podcast exploring important and often-misunderstood aspects of living with autoimmune arthritis and related conditions here in Australia. We'll speak with fellow patients and renowned doctors to help gain a better understanding of some of the less talked about topics of managing these diseases.
At CreakyJoints Australia we are on a mission to raise awareness and deepen the collective understanding of arthritis, a disease which has more than 200 variations, empowering patients to put themselves at the centre of their own health.&nbsp;
In Patient PrepRheum, we are looking at three key areas:
<ol>
<li>Biosimilars - a group of biologic medicines used to slow and stop the progression of Autoimmune arthritis;</li>
<li>How medications are approved via the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; and</li>
<li>the importance of good patient-doctor communication.</li>
</ol>
<ul></ul>
Hosted by CreakyJoints Australia National Coordinator Naomi Creek.&nbsp;
For more information, visit the CreakyJoints Australia website.

Patient PrepRheum Podcast

Patient PrepRheum is a podcast produced by Creakyjoints Australia exploring important and often-misunderstood aspects of living with autoimmune arthritis and related conditions in Australia. We speak to fellow patients and renowned doctors to help gain a better understanding of some of the less talked about topics of managing autoimmune diseases.

At CreakyJoints Australia we are on a mission to raise awareness and deepen the collective understanding of arthritis, a disease which has more than 200 variations, empowering patients to put themselves at the centre of their own health. 

Hosted by CreakyJoints Australia National Coordinator Naomi Creek. For more information, visit CreakyJoints Australia - https://creakyjoints.org.au/ or visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/creakyjoints

Patient PrepRheum is a podcast produced by Creakyjoints Australia exploring important and often-misunderstood aspects of living with autoimmune arthritis and related conditions in Australia. We speak to fellow patients and renowned doctors to help gain a better understanding of some of the less talked about topics of managing autoimmune diseases.
At CreakyJoints Australia we are on a mission to raise awareness and deepen the collective understanding of arthritis, a disease which has more than 200 variations, empowering patients to put themselves at the centre of their own health. 
<ul></ul>
Hosted by CreakyJoints Australia National Coordinator Naomi Creek. For more information, visit CreakyJoints Australia - <a href="https://creakyjoints.org.au/">https://creakyjoints.org.au/</a> or visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/creakyjoints

Patient PrepRheum

Episode 4: Methotrexate; Management, Myths and Milestones

Learn more about the medication Methotrexate in this short audio guide that accompanies Episode 4: Methotrexate - Management, Myths and Milestones. The guide gives an overview of Methotrexate and delves deeper into how the medication works, how it is used and its side effects.

Learn more about the medication Methotrexate in this short audio guide that accompanies Episode 4: Methotrexate - Management, Myths and Milestones. The guide gives an overview of Methotrexate and delves deeper into how the medication works, how it is used and its side effects.

Audio Guide 4: Methotrexate

This is an audio guide about patient and doctor communication brought to you by CreakyJoints Australia.

Be sure to go to the CreakyJoints Australia website, and join for free to keep updated on all of our resources.

TRANSCRIPT

This is an audio guide about Patient and Doctor Communication, brought to you by Global Healthy Australia.

Whilst many patients have had positive experiences working with their health team, there are still many of you who are unsatisfied with the quality of treatment and are frustrated by the ineffective communication experienced when approaching your GPs/ specialists...Here we would like to offer our top tips so Doctors and Patients can “Get on The Same Page”



PATIENTS 
Get your needs met, ask, ask and ask some more! 
This is about YOU, Doctors are here for you.
Be realistic - You won’t always get all the answers from a doctor, so seek advice so you know where to go next! 
This process is empowering in itself, there may be setbacks along the way but keep up a proactive mentality/approach and you will land in the right place/direction 
Get your needs met - if you are unsatisfied with your doctor, you are 100% entitled to ask your records to be transferred to a new one! It’s common practise and they won’t take it personally. 
Helpful ways to keep up effective communication and manage any hesitancy around discussion
If you feel nervous or have a particularly sensitive issue, bring a friend, a support person, social worker or someone you feel comfortable with to generate a feeling of safety and security when verbalising your issue.
If helpful, Jot down some points before hand so you have a reference point that will keep your discussion on the right track in case you get confused/lost/shy etc. Remember, you are not the first one who has come with the issue you have! 
Be accountable with record keeping 
Doctors need as much information as possible, the more you have the better you are treated. 
If you struggle with this make sure to stay as prepared and organised as possible. This is your best chance at getting the treatment and support you need! Be accountable.



DOCTORS 

It is essential that doctors have a proper understanding of their patients. 

Whilst this may seem obvious, this is not to minimise the health care communities efforts, it’s to address the feedback that there are some barriers that need to be addressed. 

Quality Communication 

Get clear on your patients value systems: Sometimes patients have a hard time verbalising their needs... 
Gain a clear understanding of the patient as a person, ask direct questions that get YOU clear on their needs.
What do they like to do with their time? 
What kind of lifestyle do they seek? 
What is getting in the way of your wants/needs/desires?
Pre appointment surveys may be helpful to identify your patients concerns and needs
Holistic Understanding: The condition goes beyond physical aspects, affecting emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual aspects of life.
Be conscious that there are topics patients struggle to discuss, so you may need to help encourage them on this, remind them its a safe, non-judgemental space. 
Broaden your list of resources/ information to offer up. You are a Hub of information for them. 
Every patient responds differently to therapy. Be well-versed/updated on the latest news/stats and new developments within Arthritis care. Broaden your pool of resources to suggest to your patients.
Get yourself acquainted with key players in the field, help to navigate getting across everything! You’ll be more prepared. 
Rosemary: “For sufferers, information is power. It’s one of the ways we cope with the condition”. 
People respond differently, be conscious of their personality types when making non-medical based suggestions. 
Always be meticulous with record keeping, patient history and handover to specialists 
“Something huge I think is missing is an automatic referral for anyone diagnosed with a chronic pain condition to get access to mental healthcare”
 Desire for A common platform to keep all records on like the “My Health Record” app. 
“I was prescribed a medication that led to hair loss. Things like this can and do have self-image implications! I learnt years later from another specialist that I did not need to take that medication after all!”
Always be meticulous and thorough with notes on your patients and collecting relevant information - make sure you share this knowledge promptly and accurately to all members of your patients medical/health/lifestyle team/ support network.
Managing complex issues/ chronic illness especially in Hospital settings
A known setting where information can be easily lost/miscommunicated. 
Take extra care here, having a Complex Disease Coordinator in clinical settings could help keep communication efficient and streamline.
Acknowledgement: This is tough and yes there are ups and downs. 
Remember this condition does not own you, you have a right to feel empowered in your life choices and you can still pursue your life goals - Life as much a “normal” life as possible

This is an audio guide about patient and doctor communication brought to you by CreakyJoints Australia.
Be sure to go to the CreakyJoints Australia website, and join for free to keep updated on all of our resources.
TRANSCRIPT
This is an audio guide about Patient and Doctor Communication, brought to you by Global Healthy Australia. Whilst many patients have had positive experiences working with their health team, there are still many of you who are unsatisfied with the quality of treatment and are frustrated by the ineffective communication experienced when approaching your GPs/ specialists...Here we would like to offer our top tips so Doctors and Patients can &ldquo;Get on The Same Page&rdquo; 
PATIENTS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Get your needs met, ask, ask and ask some more!&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">This is about YOU, Doctors are here for you.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Be realistic - You won&rsquo;t always get all the answers from a doctor, so seek advice so you know where to go next!&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">This process is empowering in itself, there may be setbacks along the way but keep up a proactive mentality/approach and you will land in the right place/direction&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Get your needs met - if you are unsatisfied with your doctor, you are 100% entitled to ask your records to be transferred to a new one! It&rsquo;s common practise and they won&rsquo;t take it personally.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Helpful ways to keep up effective communication and manage any hesitancy around discussion</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you feel nervous or have a particularly sensitive issue, bring a friend, a support person, social worker or someone you feel comfortable with to generate a feeling of safety and security when verbalising your issue.</li>
<li aria-level="1">If helpful, Jot down some points before hand so you have a reference point that will keep your discussion on the right track in case you get confused/lost/shy etc. Remember, you are not the first one who has come with the issue you have!&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Be accountable with record keeping&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Doctors need as much information as possible, the more you have the better you are treated.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you struggle with this make sure to stay as prepared and organised as possible. This is your best chance at getting the treatment and support you need! Be accountable. 
DOCTORS&nbsp;
It is essential that doctors have a proper understanding of their patients.&nbsp;
Whilst this may seem obvious, this is not to minimise the health care communities efforts, it&rsquo;s to address the feedback that there are some barriers that need to be addressed.&nbsp;
Quality Communication&nbsp;
Get clear on your patients value systems: Sometimes patients have a hard time verbalising their needs...&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Gain a clear understanding of the patient as a person, ask direct questions that get YOU clear on their needs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What do they like to do with their time?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">What kind of lifestyle do they seek?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">What is getting in the way of your wants/needs/desires?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Pre appointment surveys may be helpful to identify your patients concerns and needs</li>
<li aria-level="1">Holistic Understanding: The condition goes beyond physical aspects, affecting emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual aspects of life.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Be conscious that there are topics patients struggle to discuss, so you may need to help encourage them on this, remind them its a safe, non-judgemental space.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Broaden your list of resources/ information to offer up. You are a Hub of information for them.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Every patient responds differently to therapy. Be well-versed/updated on the latest news/stats and new developments within Arthritis care. Broaden your pool of resources to suggest to your patients.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Get yourself acquainted with key players in the field, help to navigate getting across everything! You&rsquo;ll be more prepared.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Rosemary: &ldquo;For sufferers, information is power. It&rsquo;s one of the ways we cope with the condition&rdquo;.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">People respond differently, be conscious of their personality types when making non-medical based suggestions.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Always be meticulous with record keeping, patient history and handover to specialists&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Something huge I think is missing is an automatic referral for anyone diagnosed with a chronic pain condition to get access to mental healthcare&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">&nbsp;Desire for A common platform to keep all records on like the &ldquo;My Health Record&rdquo; app.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;I was prescribed a medication that led to hair loss. Things like this can and do have self-image implications! I learnt years later from another specialist that I did not need to take that medication after all!&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Always be meticulous and thorough with notes on your patients and collecting relevant information - make sure you share this knowledge promptly and accurately to all members of your patients medical/health/lifestyle team/ support network.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Managing complex issues/ chronic illness especially in Hospital settings</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">A known setting where information can be easily lost/miscommunicated.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Take extra care here, having a Complex Disease Coordinator in clinical settings could help keep communication efficient and streamline.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Acknowledgement: This is tough and yes there are ups and downs.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remember this condition does not own you, you have a right to feel empowered in your life choices and you can still pursue your life goals - Life as much a &ldquo;normal&rdquo; life as possible</li>
</ul>

Audio Guide: Patient/Doctor Communication

This is an audio guide about the approval and sale of therapeutic goods in Australia, brought to you by CreakyJoints Australia. 

Be sure to go to the CreakyJoints Australia website and join for free to keep updated on all of our resources.

TRANSCRIPT

This audio guide is about the approval and sale of therapeutic goods in Australia. It is brought to you by CreakyJoints Australia.

Before therapeutic goods (including medicines, biologicals, vaccines, medical devices and products such as vitamins) can be sold in Australia, they must be approved for sale by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (or “the TGA”). The TGA is a part of the Australian Government Department of Health.

Individuals or organisations, such as pharmaceutical companies, can apply for (or “sponsor”) a therapeutic good to be considered for sale in Australia by the TGA. Sponsors must also supply evidence of their product’s quality, safety and efficacy gathered through clinical trials. The submission is then evaluated by the TGA.

If approved, the product is added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as a “listed” or “registered” product according to its risk profile. No medicine is 100 per cent risk-free, but the risk is greater for some medicines. Therefore, they place more rigorous controls on higher risk “registered” medicines than lower risk “listed” medicines.

Listed products can be sold through supermarkets or pharmacies without a prescription, though not all are evaluated by the TGA for efficacy.

All registered products are always evaluated for efficacy before they go on sale. Some are available in pharmacies over the counter after consultation with a pharmacist. Prescription products are only available with a valid prescription from an approved health professional and can only be sold through pharmacies.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (or “PBS”) heavily subsidises the cost of prescription products for all Australians with a Medicare card as well as some Australian visitors. For example, the actual cost of some medications for autoimmune arthritis is well over $1,000 but, through the PBS, consumers pay less than $50 for them at the pharmacy.

Sponsors can apply for registered products to be added to the PBS. These applications are considered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (or “the PBAC”). The PBAC is an independent body of health professionals and consumer representatives appointed by the Australian Government.

The PBAC meets at least three times a year to review the applications on their agenda. They assess relevant information from the sponsor, the TGA and public submissions before deciding if they should recommend products to the Minister for Health for inclusion on the PBS.

Public submissions can come from patients, carers, members of the public, health professionals or consumer groups and are a valued part of the process. They help the PBAC understand how the proposed product will benefit consumers. These perspectives may be quite different from those presented by the sponsor.

Products that are on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods but are not included on the PBS may still be sold in Australia but they are not subsidised by the Government.

If there is a product that you would benefit from that is not currently listed on the PBS, you can ask your healthcare professionals or relevant consumer groups to help you bring it to the attention of the PBAC. This could start the process of making the product available to you and others like you.

 

This is an audio guide about the approval and sale of therapeutic goods in Australia, brought to you by CreakyJoints Australia.&nbsp;
Be sure to go to the CreakyJoints Australia website and join for free to keep updated on all of our resources.
TRANSCRIPT
This audio guide is about the approval and sale of therapeutic goods in Australia. It is brought to you by CreakyJoints Australia.
Before therapeutic goods (including medicines, biologicals, vaccines, medical devices and products such as vitamins) can be sold in Australia, they must be approved for sale by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (or &ldquo;the TGA&rdquo;). The TGA is a part of the Australian Government Department of Health.
Individuals or organisations, such as pharmaceutical companies, can apply for (or &ldquo;sponsor&rdquo;) a therapeutic good to be considered for sale in Australia by the TGA. Sponsors must also supply evidence of their product&rsquo;s quality, safety and efficacy gathered through clinical trials. The submission is then evaluated by the TGA.
If approved, the product is added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as a &ldquo;listed&rdquo; or &ldquo;registered&rdquo; product according to its risk profile. No medicine is 100 per cent risk-free, but the risk is greater for some medicines. Therefore, they place more rigorous controls on higher risk &ldquo;registered&rdquo; medicines than lower risk &ldquo;listed&rdquo; medicines.
Listed products can be sold through supermarkets or pharmacies without a prescription, though not all are evaluated by the TGA for efficacy.
All registered products are always evaluated for efficacy before they go on sale. Some are available in pharmacies over the counter after consultation with a pharmacist. Prescription products are only available with a valid prescription from an approved health professional and can only be sold through pharmacies.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (or &ldquo;PBS&rdquo;) heavily subsidises the cost of prescription products for all Australians with a Medicare card as well as some Australian visitors. For example, the actual cost of some medications for autoimmune arthritis is well over $1,000 but, through the PBS, consumers pay less than $50 for them at the pharmacy.
Sponsors can apply for registered products to be added to the PBS. These applications are considered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (or &ldquo;the PBAC&rdquo;). The PBAC is an independent body of health professionals and consumer representatives appointed by the Australian Government.
The PBAC meets at least three times a year to review the applications on their agenda. They assess relevant information from the sponsor, the TGA and public submissions before deciding if they should recommend products to the Minister for Health for inclusion on the PBS.
Public submissions can come from patients, carers, members of the public, health professionals or consumer groups and are a valued part of the process. They help the PBAC understand how the proposed product will benefit consumers. These perspectives may be quite different from those presented by the sponsor.
Products that are on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods but are not included on the PBS may still be sold in Australia but they are not subsidised by the Government.
If there is a product that you would benefit from that is not currently listed on the PBS, you can ask your healthcare professionals or relevant consumer groups to help you bring it to the attention of the PBAC. This could start the process of making the product available to you and others like you.
&nbsp;

Episode 4: Methotrexate; Management, Myths and Milestones

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