Arthritis Medication
Arthritis medication in the market comes in a wide variety from A to Z. There are those that treat pain and inflammation while others treat the main disease itself. Patients may be given one or a combination of medicines. Here are the lists:
- Painkillers (Analgesics) – are used to provide pain relief. They can be bought over the counter. The stronger ones need prescription from a doctor. The popular types of painkillers are paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen and codeine.
- Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints for patients under arthritis medication. One of its negative effects includes stomach problems.
- Cox-2 inhibitors – is a new type of inhibitor which is safer to the stomach. They are celecoxib (celebrex), etodolac (Lodine SR), etoricoxib (Arcoxia) and meloxican (Mobic). There are some concerns though saying that it poses a risk to cardiovascular problems.
- Steroids – are artificial forms of natural body hormones and are considered to be effective in the treatment of inflammation. They also cause side effects including osteoporosis. Proper medication from a doctor and should be strictly adhered. Sudden stoppage of intake should be avoided for patients under arthritis medication. It is also suggested that people taking this drugs should have proper flu and pneumonia vaccination yearly.
- Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – treats rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This drug slows down the progress of the disease and the damage it does. It is used after the diagnosis of the patient. The drug has serious side effects so patients are carefully monitored.
- methotrexate (includes Maxtrex)
- sulphasalazine (include Salazopyrin EN, Sulazine)
- anti-malarial drugs (includes Plaquenil)
- leflunomide (Arava)
- gold by injection (includes Myocrisin) or tablets (includes Ridaura)
- ciclosporin (includes Neoral)
- Anti-TNFs or biologics work by blocking the chemical tumor necrosis (TNF). The chemicals cause inflammation and tissue damage in certain kinds of arthritis. This drug targets other parts of the immune system that triggers inflammation. Guidelines have to be followed whether or not a patient is eligible for this type of medication.
- adalimumab (Humira) fortnightly injections usually by you or someone else
- etanercept (Enbrel) injections given once or twice a week
- infliximab (Remicade) given at the hospital by infusion every 8 weeks
- rituximab (Mabthera) 2 infusions at 2 weeks apart, once or twice a year.
Many medicines are out commercially to help combat arthritis. Each drug provides a different cure and side effects. A patient should first undergo checkups and consultations from a doctor before taking chances on which medicine to take. Arthritis medication primarily relies on the type and severity of the disease and also the patient’s compatibility with the drug.