1........2........3........Chapter 4........5

These interactive videos let you quickly find the answer to each question. Simply click on the key moments button at the top of the video, then click the question to jump directly to the answer.

Key Moments in This Video:

• Can you skip a dose of biologic treatment?
• When will I stop taking biologic treatment?
• What if insurance won’t pay for biologic treatment?

Though there’s currently no cure for nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), biologics help many people achieve remission — that is, periods where they’re not experiencing symptoms like joint pain. Achieving remission requires following your doctor’s directions and sticking to your treatment regimen — and most people take biologics for years.

If you’re finding it difficult to adhere to your treatment plan, it’s time for an open, honest conversation with your doctor. If the medication is causing you problems, your doctor can adjust your dosage or tell you about alternatives. If you’re having difficulty with insurance coverage or paying for your medication, your health care team can provide guidance, advocate for you, or point you to resources for financial assistance.

Importantly, don’t abruptly stop taking your medication, as doing so can lead to a flare-up or relapse.

Watch this video for some guidance on how to talk to your doctor about sticking with your treatment. From there, check out other videos in this series on topics like how to discuss general treatments for nr-axSpA, how to navigate biologic therapy and potential side effects, and what lifestyle changes you can adopt to manage your condition.

Have more questions? See if they’re among the top three questions rheumatologist Dr. Siddharth Tambar gets about nr-axSpA.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MySpondylitisTeam — the social network for people with spondylitis and their loved ones — members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with spondylitis.

Have you and your rheumatologist discussed difficulties with sticking to your treatment regimen? What issues have you experienced, and what advice have they had? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

Read More From the My Care Navigator Series

• Get Personalized Questions To Ask Your Doctor About nr-axSpA: This quiz helps guide the conversation.
• Your Top 3 Questions Answered About nr-axSpA: A rheumatologist answers key questions about nr-axSpA.
• After Your Rheumatology Appointment: What’s Next? Find out what to expect after your doctor visit.