Rheumatoid arthritis patients coping without drug therapy

In view of the variable and unpredictable efficacy and toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, it is not surprising that some patients with rheumatoid arthritis elect to cope without recourse to these medications. We describe four of these patients, consider the lessons to be learnt, and identify further research that needs to be done on this aspect of illness behaviour.