Arthritis Medicine Side Effects

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that results in inflammation affecting different areas of the body, including the joints. Considered a chronic condition, arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States, affecting approximately 46 million people. There are more than one hundred medications that are used to treat the painful symptoms of arthritis and some of them carry significant side effects.

Different Types, Different Side Effects

There are different categories of medications used to treat arthritis and each category has its own list of side effects. These categories include analgesics (some of which can be purchased over the counter), disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and BRMs which are biological response modifiers. MedicineNet.com reports that other commonly prescribed arthritis medications are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids.

Analgesics

There are two types of analgesics, narcotic and non-narcotic pain killers. Examples of a narcotic analgesic are Demerol and Oxycodone, both of which are highly addictive and cause the body to build up a tolerance, requiring more of the narcotic over time to achieve the desired effect. Common side effects of narcotic analgesics are stomach upset, dry mouth, hives and adverse reactions such as rapid heart beat (tachycardia), respiratory difficulties and overdose. According to Drugs.com, acetaminophen is an example of a non-narcotic analgesic that should be taken only as directed. Overdose is possible, along with liver damage if taken in high doses.

DMARDs and NSAIDs

NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications such as Naproxen and Celebrex. NSAIDs are known to cause stomach upset, stomach ulcers, heart attack and stroke. These side effects can be reduced if the NSAID is taken with food or an antacid. DMARDs such as, Methotrexate and Imuran, are more potent than NSAIDs and can cause kidney and liver damage. Frequent blood tests are necessary for patients taking DMARDs in order to monitor the medications' effects on these vital organs.

BRMs

Biological therapy drugs such as Remicade and Embrel are injected or administered intravenously and help reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis by shutting down chemicals in the body that cause swelling. According to Providence Health & Services, BRMs may cause temporary pain and swelling of the skin around the injection point. There is a potential for more severe side effects but they are quite rare. Among the rarer side effects are risk of infection, development of lymphomas and flare-ups in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Corticosteroids

MayoClinic.com describes corticosteroids as synthetic medications that replicate natural steroids. Corticosteroids such as prednisone work well to suppress the inflammation associated with arthritis and can be administered by injection, orally, intranasally and topically. The severity of side effects caused by corticosteroids is usually dependent on dosage. Common side effects are fluid retention, glaucoma and weight gain. The long-term side effects of corticosteroids are infection, diabetes, easy bruising, thin skin, difficulty healing and calcium deficiency.

Less is More

Arthritis Today explains that it is best to take the smallest dose possible of any arthritis medication. In fact, when it comes to arthritis medications less is definitely more. Half doses of medication can prove to be just as successful at relieving the pain of arthritis as higher doses, with fewer side effects. Starting out low and slowly working your way up to a larger dose is also recommended because it gives your body the opportunity to adjust to the arthritis medication over time, instead of shocking your system all at once.

Resources

• Arthritis Today
• MayoClinic.com