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Your Arthritis Medication Options

Updated on May 11, 2011
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Most people with arthritis take some kind of drug to combat this potentially debilitating disease.

The more you know, the better you will will fair.

All drugs have consequences.

BUT, (ask any arthritic) the benefits are much grater than the risks.

Become informed and take an active part in determining your arthritis medication regiment is the best way to minimize the potentially harmful side effects you may be headed for.

Work with your doctors--and I say doctors, because as an arthritic, you will have multiple professional working with you---is your surest way to avoid potential disaster.

NSAIDs

  • COX-2 selective inhibitors may be associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular problems, but are easier on the stomach.

  • All NSAIDs have side effects that include,including the selective COX-2 inhibitors, serious kidney problems, hypertension and fluid retention.

  • NSAIDs increase the risk of stomach ulcers and consequent bleeding.

  • COX-2, like all other NSAIDs, provide only symptom relief.

  • The natural NSAID-like arthritis medication,Cetyl Myristoleale Complex (Cetylated Fatty Acids) has been proven to work with other arthritis medications and has no known adverse side effects. It supports collagen, bone and connective tissue repair. It is an natural alternative to other NSAID medications.

Corticosteroids

Long-term side effects of corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Deltasone) and methylprednisolone (Medrol), can cause easy bruising, bone thinning, cataracts, weight gain, a round face and diabetes.

  • The goal of using these medications should be to gradually tapering off the medication as the arthritis improves.

TNF blockers( Tumor Necrosis Factor blockers)

 

  • TNF blockers may cause of headache, fever, chills, nausea and myalgia that happen most often after the first dose and then decrease with subsequent doses.

  • Serious, and sometimes fatal, infections have also been reported to be caused by these drugs. Be sure to discuss the side effect risks with your doctor.

  • TNF blockers should not be prescribed to rheumatoid arthritis patients with a history of heart failure, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, or other demyelinating disorders.


For further study about the arthritis medications you are taking, I recommend About.com .

About .com publishes this comprehensive digest of arthritis medications and their side effects.

Arthritis medication information, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and warnings. There are now over a 100 medications and drugs being used in the treatment of arthritis. Learn more about both the newer and traditional medications. You can find information about each drug listed within its drug class or treatment category.

If you suffer with arthritis, know your options. Know your medications. It might save your life.

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