Arthritis & Medications
Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable medication for you’re the kind of arthritis you suffer from. The foremost medications most probably recommended by your doctor are usually non-prescription medications. These can include:
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – It is recommended by the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Rheumatology as initial treatment for osteoarthritis. The dosage is up to 4 grams per day (that means taking 2 extra-strength Tylenol, every 6 hours). This can give considerable respite from arthritis pain without the numerous side effects associated with prescription drugs. You should not exceed the prescribed dosage of acetaminophen or use the medication along with large quantities of alcohol. Doing so could damage your liver.
* Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen – These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are usually effective in fighting arthritis pain. But, they also have a lot of probable risks, particularly when used for longer durations. They should not be had in any quantity without previous consultation with your doctor. The possible side effects are stroke, heart attack, stomach ulcers, kidney damage and bleeding from the digestive tract. In April 2005, the FDA demanded that the NSAIDs manufacturers should include a label on their product that that warns the users of an increased risk of stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding and heart attack. In case you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or a liver or kidney disease you should not use these drugs unless specifically recommended by your doctor.
Popular Prescription medicines
* Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors – These medications aid in blocking an inflammation-promoting enzyme known as COX-2. This group of drugs was originally believed to work the same way as traditional NSAIDs but with less stomach problems. But, with a number of reports indicating stroke and heart attacks have resulted in the FDA to reassess the benefits and risks associated with the COX-2s. Valdecoxib (Bextra) and rofecoxib (Vio xx) have been pulled down from the U.S. market after reports of heart attacks occurring in patients using the medications. Though Celecoxib (Celebrex) is still offered, it comes branded with strong warnings as well as a suggestion that it should be prescribed at the lowest feasible dose and that too for the shortest length possible. Consult you doctor to ascertain it is advisable to use COX-2s in your case.
* Corticosteroids (steroids) – These drugs help to suppress the immune system as well as the symptoms of inflammation. Commonly, they are administered in severe cases of osteoarthritis. They can be taken either orally or by an injection. Steroids can be used to cure autoimmune forms of arthritis however their use can be avoided in cases of infectious arthritis. There are many side effects on using steroids, such as, high blood pressure, upset stomach, thinning of bones, gastrointestinal bleeding, cataracts and increase in infections. The risks are more severe in case steroids are used for longer durations or at higher doses. Close monitoring by a doctor is very necessary.
* Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs – Traditionally, these drugs were given to treat rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune causes of arthritis. Some of these medications include penicillamine, gold salts, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. In the recent times, it has shown that methotrexate can reduce the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and enrich the quality of your life. Methotrexate could be highly toxic and people using this drug would need to undergo frequent blood tests.
* Anti-biologics – This is the latest breakthrough designed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These medications that include infliximab (Remicade) , adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel) are given by injection and could drastically enhance the quality of your life.
* Immuno-suppressants – These medications such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide and prescribed in serious cases of rheumatoid arthritis once the other medications have not given relief.
* It is very essential that you take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. In case you have any trouble in following it, such as on account of intolerable side effects, you should consult your doctor.
More on Joint Pain Medication
There are various types of medications for joint pain. However, till recently the very popular ones were a group of anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors that were available under the brand names of Celebrex, Bextra, Vioxx and others. These medications were able to ease the inflammation related with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and similar conditions.
But, some of the recent research has shown that there could be severe possible side effects on using these medications for joint pain, for instance increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Due to this reason, one of the most popular arthritis drugs, Vioxx, was recalled in September of 2004. After only a few months, another very popular medication for joint Bextra, was pulled down from the market as it was causing fatal skin diseases and also has similar health risks associated with Vioxx. The only remaining COX-2, Celebrex, is presently under attack.
Some of the over the counter medications for joint pain for instance, Motrin and Aleve are related chemically to the above mentioned prescription medications, and hence using these drugs could lead to likely similar health complications. Therefore, you be equally wary of over the counter medications as you would of prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
This leads to considering other possible options available to people suffering from joint pain.
Luckily for people worried about the side effects of the above mentioned joint pain medication, there are a few natural treatments that have proven not only to be effective in preventing and treating arthritis joint pain but also does not have any harmful side effects associated with the prescription medications.
Supplements, for example, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, turmeric, SAMe and other nutrients could result in substantial relief from pain on account of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and related ailments. These natural joint pain medications could be a safer and highly effective substitute to the controversial arthritis prescription medications.
Featured Joint Pain Medication
After extensive research in various treatment options available for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and similar conditions, a revolutionary natural treatment was discovered and it has been tremendously successful.
This exceptional arthritis drug option is known as Flexarite. It contains all of the required natural arthritis reducing nutrients that include glucosamine, 5 Loxin, chondroitin and other special ingredients that aid in reducing swelling, inflammation and stiffness in addition to protecting the joints and offering long-lasting pain relief.
