Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

There are a number of prescription arthritis medications that doctors can prescribe to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Though none of these arthritis medications cure arthritis, they can relieve pain, relieve symptoms, and even slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can relieve pain and inflammation. These drugs can are used as an arthritis medicine and can be purchased over the counter and in prescription form. (You may know them as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The main adverse side effect to these arthritis medications is they can lead to stomach problems, such as bleeding and indigestion. They may also raise an individuals blood pressure and in some cases cause fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a class of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are less harmfull to the stomach. This class of arthritis medication works by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is involved in inflammation. However, possible side effects include fluid retention and high blood pressure. There are also reports that those who take this class of drug may be at an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which can reduce pain and inflammation. They can also slow down the damage to joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, many patients who take corticosteroids report they feel remarkably better. However, after prolonged usage, the effectiveness of corticosteroids may wear off. Prolonged usage also brings with it the possibility of serious side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and thinning of the bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants are often prescribed as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. In Arthritis patients, the immune system is not balanced and it is out of control. TNF blockers are sometimes given in conjunction with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers block the protein which inflames the joints. Those on TNF blockers report reduced pain and less stiffness.

Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis allows patients to be given arthritis medications known as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs are known to slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, if the arthritis is caught early, much damage to the joints can be avoided.

Seeing a doctor at the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis is extremely important. Although modern medicine has not been able to find a cure for arthritis, we are much closer to effective pain relief and the ability to slow down the progression rate of rheumatoid arthritis.