The management of rheumatoid arthritis (rA) has undergone a paradigm shift in the past 15 to 20 years. factors contributing to this include changes in treatment strategies and the development of antirheumatic biologic agents that down-regulate aspects of the host inflammatory response. in light of these advancements, recent updates have been made by leading organizations regarding clinical recommendations for the use of conventional and biologic agents for treating rA, and criteria for the classification of early rA. 1, 2 contemporary approaches to the diagnosis and management of rA have made disease remission an attainable goal for some patients. disease remission can prolong the health-related quality of life while reducing the long-term societal costs of rA. however, it is important for clinicians to incorporate economic considerations when deciding management approaches that can help optimize outcomes for patients with rA.