Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

There is an array of prescribed arthritis medications which doctors can offer to treat rheumatoid arthritis. While none of these arthritis medications cure arthritis, they can bring pain relief, alleviate symptoms, and even slow the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve inflammation and pain. These drugs can be used as an arthritis medicine and can be purchased over the counter and via. (Most everyone is familiar with aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only negative issue with these arthritis medications is they can lead to stomach problems, such as bleeding and indigestion. They can also raise an individual’s blood pressure and make them prone to fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a kind of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which lead to less issues with the stomach. This class of arthritis medication operates by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is involved in inflammation. However, fluid retention and high blood pressure may result as side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that persons who use this class of drug may be at an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which are able to help with pain and reduce inflammation. They can also slow down the damage to joints brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a large number of arthritis sufferers who take corticosteroids report they feel substantially better. However, after a while the effectiveness of corticosteroids may diminish. There is also the chance of experiencing serious side effects such as diabetes, weight gain, and decreased bone density, after long-time use of corticosteroids.

It is essential to see a doctor at the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has been unable to discover a cure for arthritis, they are making progress in pain relief and slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants may be prescribed as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. Without such treatment, the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients is out of balance and it is out of control. TNF blockers are sometimes prescribed in conjunction with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers work by blocking the protein which inflames the joints. Those on TNF blockers report reduced pain and less stiffness.

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