Psoriatic arthritis can be a huge pain for you and your family, especially when you are in an occupation that requires you to use your hands. Luckily, numerous medicines help you deal with the pain and treat most symptoms. roe v wade
But you would have never thought that a judicial decision concerning abortion could affect your access to those medications. However, the recent decision to overturn Roe v Wade may have a domino effect that might impact arthritis patients.
Follow along with me as we explore the consequences that crucial Supreme Court decisions may have for your loved ones. We will also discuss whether or not it is something that should cause any real worry.
What the Overturned Decision Could Mean For Arthritis Medicine
I know abortion has nothing to do with arthritis, but many medications are now taboo because of their use in planned parenthood practices. Even though it does not affect it directly, arthritis medications could get caught in the wreckage.
The exact medication in question is called methotrexate. If everything doesn’t go well, the Supreme Court ruling could take this medication right off the shelves and from the aching hands of everyone who needs it.
Not only is it used in arthritis, but it is a savior for many individuals suffering from chronic pain. Methotrexate is a miracle drug for many people who suffer from rheumatic diseases.
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What is Methotrexate?
Many states see methotrexate as an “abortion-inducing drug,” which may put it at risk in the future. The drug has earned this reputation because doctors use it to interrupt the growth and division of a viable egg.
Doctors prescribe methotrexate to 90% of all rheumatoid arthritis patients. It is also the central defense for psoriatic arthritis patients and is best known for reducing pain and swelling.
Losing this drug would significantly affect everyone suffering from the debilitating arthritis disease. It is one of the few drugs with minimal side effects and is highly effective.
Why States May Take it Away From Shelves
Because of the trigger laws directly resulting from the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, many states might go after this drug. However, nothing has officially happened yet.
These laws went into effect as soon as Supreme Court announced its ruling. Most involve shutting down abortion services, punishing doctors who perform the procedure, and attacking medications.
Since numerous states see the medication as something that aids doctors with the procedure, it will surely come under fire in those trigger law states. Some pharmacists have already started not to refill methotrexate prescriptions.
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3 Ways to Fill Your Methotrexate Prescription After Roe V Wade Decision
I know this seems kind of bad, but there are some silver linings to observe. First and foremost, not every state has outlawed abortion. Some are even going to create or already have laws that protect them.
The medication will most certainly be available in those provinces, so if you’re willing to travel, you can get your methotrexate prescription filled in states that have not banned the practice.
Secondly, patients can tell their healthcare providers to write a statement of intent for the medication to inform the pharmacists it is for their swelling and chronic pains.
Medication notes may seem unnecessary, but with how passionate some people feel about the drug, it could become common.
Finally, You can always order your prescription through the mail from a different state if you need to. It might take a little more time than you’re used to, but you’ll still be able to get them.