Arthritis Medication Dangers
Arthritis medications are used to treat inflammation, pain and swelling that can often accompany arthritis. While a variety of medications can be prescribed or purchased over the counter, there are some dangers associated with the use of arthritis medications.
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Mixing Medications
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Arthritis medication can be dangerous when it is mixed with other treatments, including herbal, over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Arthritis patients should read labels carefully or consult with a physician or pharmacist about possible drug and/or supplement interactions.
NSAIDs
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available in both over-the-counter and prescription varieties. No matter what the dosage, NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and pain, particularly in patients over 60 years of age.
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Analgesics
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Analgesics such as acetaminophen are used to treat arthritis pain, though this class of medications can be dangerous for those with heart disease. Analgesics can cause elevated blood pressure and be dangerous to the liver and kidneys if taken with alcohol, and they can be toxic if taken in large amounts.
Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation caused by arthritis. These medications can cause osteoporosis because they decrease the amount of calcium the body absorbs. However, most of the dangers associated with steroid use result from withdrawal effects when doses are tapered, lowered or stopped. These symptoms include adrenal crisis, drops in blood pressure, fatigue and nausea.
DMARDs
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Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are prescribed to prevent the joint damage that can occur as a result of arthritis. While these medications can be beneficial to users, they also suppress the immune system, which can make users more susceptible to infection. Additionally, they can be dangerous when combined with certain vaccines.
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