There are at least a hundred medication used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. This is probably due to the fact that there are many different types of arthritis. Also, some medications may not be effective to a patient with arthritis. Because of this, it is necessary to look for the best arthritis medication combination for every patient.
To treat pain due to arthritis, most doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are effective in treating pain, fever and inflammation. NSAIDS are classified into three types: salicylates, nonacetylated salicylates, and choline magnesium trisalicylate, also known as magnesium salicylate.
NSAIDs are effective in blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is also known as cox. The cox enxyme has two forms: cox-1 and cox-2. The coz enzymes trigger the production of prostaglandins in the body, which cause inflammation, fever and pain. Prostaglandins are important in the body’s defense system. These also aids in blood-clotting (when you have an open wound) and in preventing the acidity of the stomach form damaging its lining.
Coz-1 aids in maintaining a healthy body tissue, and coz-2 has a role in inflammation control. NSAIDs are effective in blocking both cox enzymes thus reducing prostaglandin production in the body.
Since prostaglandin has a role in the body defense system, reduction in prostaglandin may promote bleeding and cause stomach ulcers. These are the noted disadvantages of using NSAIDs.
If NSAIDs are ineffective in treating arthritis symptoms, slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs may be used. This includes disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which could take up to several months before they work.
Research shows that DMARDs are effective for rheumatoid, psoriatic and ankylosing spondylitis. It hasn’t been proven how DMARDs work in arthritis but researches show that DMARDs can slow down the progression of the disease through their effect on the immune system.
Because of the possible side effects, it is necessary to monitor the use of DMARDs through blood and liver tests. These side effects may include swelling, increased blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, kidney damage and hyperacidity.
For people with lupus, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica or rheumatoid arthritis, steroids may be used for their treatment.
Steroids may only be used in short-term arthritis treatment to minimize severe pain and inflammation. High doses or long term use of steroids can have severe side effects.
Steroid usage has many side effects. Make sure that you conduct some research before using steroids to treat arthritis. Materials on steroids are available from libraries, from your doctor and from the Internet.