Arthritis Medications

We list the most common arthritis medications that are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of arthritis. Arthritis medications may have adverse side effects and negative reactions on the body so when you have to choose arthritis medication it is better to find the one which will work best for you.

Arthritis Medications: NSAIDs

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most frequently used arthritis medications. NSAIDs like aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren) or indomethacin (Indocin) can reduce pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints.

When using NSAIDs, it is recommended to use it for a while and then discontinue it for a period of time so that your body will not become accustomed to these arthritis medications.

Baylor College of Medicine scientists in Houston studied 21 patients taking NSAIDS arthritis medications. They judged them against 20 arthritis patients taking an unrelated painkiller, or nothing. Bowel injury was seen in 71% of NSAID users compared with 10% of control subjects.

Side effects such as stomach problems, diarrhea, ulcers and bleeding may happen; especially with older patients.

There are latest NSAIDs available, known as COX-2 inhibitors that are not so toxic for the gastrointestinal system; nevertheless they also can produce adverse reactions. So both, NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors must only be given at the time when suffering from joint pain to reduce the risk of possible side effects.

Arthritis Medications: Topical Pain Relievers

Creams and gels may also be applied on the skin over the joint to provide relief but such arthritis medications are helpful only for minor pains. Capsaicin cream is a topical pain reliever that is applied directly to the skin. The calming effect of capsaicin cream is only temporary; this means the cream must be used again after few hours.

Cortisone is helpful in reducing pain instantly and restoring joint functions when injected directly to the inflamed joints. But, repetitive use is damaging to the bones and tissues so it is only prescribed to people with severe symptoms.

Hyaluronic acid injections may also be useful in repairing thickness of the joint fluid that supports joint lubrication so, decreasing the friction between the bones and reducing joint pain.

Arthritis Medications: DMARDs

DMARDs or Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs are often able to change the course of some types of inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) that can make serious damage to the joints. DMARDs work by suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints.

These arthritis medications do not have immediate effects; it may take months to create therapeutic progress.

DMARDs such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) can cause severe side effects and reduce in effectiveness over time. Ringing in the ears, liver inflammation, kidney damage and bone-marrow suppression are some of the side effects caused by DMARDs.

Arthritis Medications: Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy, used as cancer treatment, helps patients with certain types of inflammatory arthritis because it slows cell reproduction and reduces certain substances made by these cells that cause an inflammatory response to happen.

Side effects of chemotherapy drugs are quite common, even if the doses are lower than the doses used to treat cancer. Anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, liver damage, urinary bladder damage, hair loss, sterility are some of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

Arthritis Medications: Natural Remedies

Lately, natural remedies for arthritis are becoming a preferred alternative to conventional arthritis medications, which involve addictive pain killers and other dangerous arthritis drugs. If you have ever experienced side effects of these drugs, you will know why.

Fortunately, some natural arthritis medications have been clinically proven to treat the symptoms of arthritis without dangerous side effects.

Natural remedies for arthritis such as Provailen address at least 3 issues when treating arthritis -inflammation, pain, and the condition of joint cartilage and fluid.

Provailen will ensure permanent relief of the main symptoms of arthritis such as swelling, stiffening and pain. It will also enhance your immune system and enable you to protect your bones and joints against destruction.

You can find many arthritis medications today and patients have the choice what to use. It is important to be informed about these arthritis medications, so you can choose the one which best suits your needs.