Types of Arthritis Medications

Arthritis is an inflammation in the joints that causes swelling, stiffness and pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nearly one out of every seven people in the United States has arthritis. (References 1) There are several medications prescribed to treat arthritis. They work by reducing pain and inflammation. Some medications can be purchased over the counter. Medications for arthritis are available in pill form, creams and injections.

Analgesics

Analgesics relieve pain. These include acetaminophen, or Tylenol, as well as prescription drugs like Percocet and Darvocet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Tylenol is the first treatment of choice for osteoarthritis. They recommend taking two arthritis-strength Tylenol tablets every 8 hours. (References 2) When Tylenol alone does not relieve pain, prescription drugs may be given. Some of these drugs also contain acetaminophen. For example, Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. When taking prescription analgesics, do not use Tylenol or other over-the-counter painkillers. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve pain like analgesics, except NSAIDs also reduce inflammation. NSAIDs are prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. NSAIDs relieve pain by blocking prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can have serious side effects, as they can be very irritating to the stomach lining.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids treat arthritis by suppressing the immune system; this causes reduction of inflammation. Corticosteroids are sometimes injected directly into an inflamed joint to bring about rapid relief from pain. Corticosteroids are usually given to treat acute episodes of arthritis flares. Sometimes they are given for a short duration while waiting on other medications to take effect. Corticosteroids taken for long periods can have side effects such as thinning of the bones, high blood pressure, stomach bleeding and cataracts.

DMARDs

DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are commonly prescribed shortly after diagnosing arthritis. These drugs are normally taken for several months before results are felt. Other arthritis medication is usually given at the same time while waiting on the DMARDs to take effect. These drugs work by preventing your immune system from attacking your joints. Because of this affect on the immune system, when taking DMARDs, stay alert for symptoms of infection like sore throat, fever and chills.

Biologics

Biologics are new arthritis medications. These are drugs like Enbrel and Remicade. They are taken by injection and work by suppressing the immune system. Biologics are usually taken in conjunction with DMARDs for greater effectiveness.

Counterirritants

Counterirritants are over the counter arthritis creams that contain capsaicin or menthol. Capsaicin is derived from hot peppers. Using these creams regularly creates interference in the pain signals from arthritic joints, thereby bringing about pain relief.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center--Arthritis Overview
• University of Maryland Medical Center--Arthritis Treatment
• Mayo Clinic--Arthritis Treatments and Drugs

Resources

• Arthritis Foundation--Types of Drugs