Arthritis Drug Options

If you suffer with arthritis, you may be surprised to find that some common arthritis drugs simply don't work for you. That's because there are more than one hundred different forms of arthritis, and every drug is not effective for all patients.

If you have arthritis, you're probably aware that there is a seemingly endless list of drugs that are said to bring relief from your daily pain and inflammation. What you may not know is how these medications differ, or how they are meant to treat the disease. The following information is intended to introduce you to some of the basic medications available, and to provide details on possible solutions to your arthritic pain and inflammation.

Analgesics

Arthritic pain can be extremely severe, and most patients turn to pain medications to help relief their suffering. When the pain becomes unbearable, doctors will prescribe strong painkillers called analgesics. Codeine, Tylenol, darvocet, percocet and vicodin are commonly prescribed analgesics. These medications can help to take the edge off of arthritic pain, but they are not effective in reducing or stopping inflammation.

Biologic Response Modifiers

Biologic Response Modifiers, or BRMs, are medications that are unique in terms of arthritic treatment. These types of drugs are not created in laboratories, but derived from living sources to help treat certain aspects of arthritis. Numerous BRMs are available to benefit those suffering with arthritis. BRMs can help to decrease inflammation and increase the body's T-cells. Using a special type of protein, they are able to block the harmful affects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Corticosteroids

Many arthritis sufferers turn to corticosteroids for relief from their symptoms. These drugs can reduce swelling and inflammation in the arthritic areas, relieve pain and loosen stiff joints. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation in joints and organs caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis. These drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, so the dosage will vary depending on the individual patient. Corticosteroids can actually create long-term complications if used over a long period of time or taken in too high a dosage.

DMARD Medications

DMARDs, or Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs, are prescribed to treat the problems of arthritis. These slow-acting compounds allow their effects on arthritis to gradually strengthen over the course of a few weeks. DMARDs can help stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other types of arthritis. When taken over an extended period of time, these drugs can actually stop damage of the affected joint. Patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from DMARD medications.

NSAID Treatments

Among the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for arthritis are Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are taken to reduce the inflammation of the affected area to a minimum. The feelings of pain and stiffness are decreased, and the joint may in turn have an extended range of motion. Many common, over-the-counter drugs fall under the category of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, aspirin and Celebrex.

Remember, there are more than one hundred different types of arthritis, so don't assume that what worked for your brother, or friend, or coworker will necessarily work for you. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any regime of drugs for arthritis. Be sure to understand what you are taking, how each medication should be taken, and whether there is the possibility of side effects or complications.