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Home | Disease & Illness | Skin Cancer 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. Analgesic Medications 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 Modifier One class of medication that is unique in terms of the way it is used for arthritis is the Biologic Response Modifiers, or BRMs. This type of drug is not created in a laboratory, but is derived from living sources to help treat certain aspects of arthritis. There are numerous BRMs available that offer various benefits to people with arthritis. BRMs can decrease inflammation, increase the T-cells in the body, and use a special type of protein to block the harmful affects of rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid Treatments Many people with arthritis turn to corticosteroids for relief from their symptoms. These drugs work by reducing swelling and inflammation in the arthritic areas, thus relieving pain and loosening stiff joints. Doctors will often prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation in joints and organs caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis. Since these drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, that dosage will vary depending on the individual patient. When used over a long period of time, or in too high a dosage, corticosteroids can actually create long-term complications. DMARD Medications Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are often prescribed in order to help treat the problems of arthritis. These compounds act slowly, allowing their effects on arthritis to gradually strengthen over the course of a few weeks. DMARDs can help to stop the progression of several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Using these drugs over an extended period of time can actually end the damage to the affected joint, so they are a great option for those patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. NSAID Treatments NSAIDs, or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, are among the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for arthritis. This medication is taken to bring the inflammation of the affected area to a minimum. Feelings of pain and stiffness are decreased, and the affected joints may have an extended range of motion. Celebrex, ibuprofen and aspirin are among the many common, over-the-counter forms of this type of drug. 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. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Writer Eunice Gaelek provides material for numerous popular web magazines, on fitness woman and healthy body topics.
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