Pain Medication Used to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic form of arthritis that causes stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints. Over time, joint deformity can occur. Small joints in the feet and hands are more likely to be affected by this form of arthritis, which is triggered by an immune system attack of healthy joints. According to the American College of Rheumatology, 1.3 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with RA.
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Treatment
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A variety of drugs are used to treat the symptoms of RA. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and damage in your joints and alleviate pain. The condition is usually treated with medication, although surgery may be needed if there is significant joint damage.
NSAIDS
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used for pain relief and for reduction of inflammation in the joints. While aspirin was once the most commonly prescribed NSAID, it tended to cause gastrointestinal problems and was replaced by newer over-the-counter forms of NSAIDS, such as Motrin, Advil or Aleve. Stronger prescription forms of the drugs are also available, although taking the stronger drugs increases your chances of developing such side effects as stomach ulcers and bleeding, liver and kidney damage, heart problems and ringing in the ears.
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Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
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Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS), such as Ridaura, Plaquenil and Rheumatrex, are prescribed in the early stages of RA in order to limit joint damage. Because these drugs may take some time to work, you may need to combine DMARDS with other drugs to reduce pain.
Steroids
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Corticosteroids may be helpful in slowing joint damage, relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Commonly prescribed steroids include prednisone and Medrol. After taking steroids for months or years, you may notice that they become less effective or cause side effects. Weight gain, diabetes, bone thinning, a hump over the neck, rounding of the face, cataracts and bruising are side effects of steroid use.
TNF-Alpha Inhibitors
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TNF-alpha inhibitors work by blocking a cell protein that causes inflammation. These drugs reduce stiffness, pain and joint tenderness and may even slow or stop the progression of the disease. TNF-alpha inhibitors include Enbrel, Humira and Remicade. Side effects, such as blood disorders, irritation of the injection site, lymphoma and increased risk of infection, may occur in some people. If you have congestive heart failure, taking a TNF-alpha inhibitor may worsen your condition.
Other Medications
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Immunosuppressants, such as Cytoxan, Arava and Neoral, control immune system response, while Rituxan helps reduce the number of cells in your body involved in an inflammatory response. Kineret is used for people who have moderate to severe RA and works by blocking a chemical that causes inflammation. Orencia is used to reduce both joint damage and inflammation by activating a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
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