Patients wait 18 months after first experiencing any symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before going to see their doctor, and they wait an average of seven years before their doctor starts treating with them a biologic drug, says a new study. This is despite findings which show that patients who are being treated with a biologic are happier about how their illness is being controlled, report a reduction in the severity of their symptoms, are better educated about RA and enjoy a better relationship with their doctor, according to the researchers.
