Arthritis Drug Options


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Home \| Health And Wellness Arthritis Drug Options By: Eunice Gaelek, Posted on: 2007-11-18 There are over one hundred different types of arthritis. It's a staggering fact, but it does help to explain why not every drug is effective for all arthritis 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. Common Analgesics The pain associated with arthritis can be extremely severe, and most patients turn to pain medications to help relief their suffering. When the pain gets to be too much to bear, doctors will prescribe strong painkillers called analgesics. Codeine, darvocet, percocet, vicodin and Tylenol are all commonly prescribed analgesics. While these medications will help to take the edge off of the pain of arthritis, 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 Medications 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 Treatments Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs, or DMARDs, are often prescribed to help treat the problems of arthritis. Acting slowly, these compounds allow their effects on arthritis to gradually strengthen over the course of a few weeks. DMARDs are used to help stop the progression of several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. If taken over an extended period of time, these drugs can actually halt the damage to the affected joint. They are good options for patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs 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. It's important to consult with your doctor before starting any drug regime to relieve your arthritis. Understand what you are taking, know how the medication should be taken and be aware of any possible side effects or complications. There are more than one hundred different types of arthritis, so don't assume that what worked for your brother, friend or coworker will also work wonders for you. Article Source: http://www.allthebestarticles.com Author Eunice Gaelek is a contributor to a variety of Internet magazines, on healthy heart and healthy body themes. Please Rate this Article Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Health and Wellness Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From - Home \| Health And Wellness Is Tramadol Habit Forming - By : megan m Is Cpap An Effective Treatment For Snoring? - By : Thomas Wilson Vitamin D Is A Double Edged Sword - By : Russell Eaton Getting The Facts Right On How To Get Rid Of Louse Infestations - By : Rashel Dan Hgh. Can It Really Work As An Effective Anti Aging Product? - By : Scott Schofield Exploring Postpartum Hair Loss - By : Jamie Bollig Day Spas Aren't Just For Women - By : Betty P Davis Burn Fat Safely and Effectively - By : P. Rodgers Alzheimer's Disease- Facts You Should Be Aware Of - By : Robert William Locke Just Say "No" to Drugs: Embracing Natural Back Pain Relief - By : Julius Riason	Attention Writers! 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