Doctors measure control of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the level of disease activity. Some tools used to measure disease activity, such as blood tests, are available only to doctors. Another tool that doctors often use is called a health assessment questionnaire, or HAQ. The HAQ is a set of questions that assesses physical function by asking patients about their ability to do everyday activities. Unlike blood tests, you can use the HAQ on your own to assess your current RA. We've made this easy for you with the RA Self-Assessment Tool.

The RA Self-Assessment Tool

The RA Self-Assessment Tool is the HAQ that many doctors use during office visits to see if RA is getting better or worse. As such, the HAQ is helpful for assessing how well a person's current treatment for RA is working. The tool consists of a few simple questions that you can answer in about 5 minutes. RA experts have found that the answers to these questions are a good indicator of RA disease activity.

To use the RA Self-Assessment Tool, click the button below. This will open a window where you will see a set of questions. When you have finished answering the questions, print out your answers. Your answers can help you and your doctor assess how well your RA treatment is managing your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your answers, so you understand what they mean and how they can help you both determine if your treatment is working.

If you will not be seeing your doctor for a few weeks, you may want to use the RA Self-Assessment Tool again before your appointment. Then, bring all your answers with you when you see your doctor. By comparing your answers from week to week, you and your doctor can see any trends in how well your RA symptoms have been controlled.

Download the RA Self-Assessment Tool

Do your answers change over time?

If you use the RA Self-Assessment Tool over a few weeks, compare your answers. If you notice that your answers are getting worse, don't delay sharing this with your doctor. It may be time to make changes to your therapy or treatment plan.

If the time is right for you to change RA treatment, ask your doctor if CIMZIA is right for you.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about CIMZIA

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