Rheumatoid Arthritis And Helpful Medications

There is an array of prescription arthritis medications which doctors can offer to help with rheumatoid arthritis. While none of these arthritis medications cure arthritis, they can bring pain relief, relieve symptoms, and even slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and deal with inflammation. These drugs may be pressed into service as an arthritis medicine and may be obtained over the counter and in prescription form. (Most everyone is aware of aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only down side to these arthritis medications is they may cause stomach problems, such as bleeding and indigestion. They can also raise blood pressure in a person and make them prone to fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a kind of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which do not cause as much harm to the stomach. This class of arthritis medication works by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is involved in inflammation. However, fluid retention and elevated blood pressure may result as side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that those who are treated with this class of drug may be at an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which may reduce pain and inflammation. They can also slow down the damage to joints brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, many arthritis sufferers who take corticosteroids report they feel significantly improved. However, after some time the effectiveness of corticosteroids may diminish. There is also the possibility of suffering severe side effects such as diabetes, weight gain, and decreased bone density, after long-time use of corticosteroids.

It is vital to see a doctor at the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has not been able to find a cure for arthritis, they are making strides in pain relief and slowing down the progression rate of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants can be prescribed as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. Without such treatment, the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients is not balanced and it is not controlled. TNF blockers are sometimes used together with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers operate by blocking the protein which inflames the joints. Those on TNF blockers have reported that pain was reduced and stiffness alleviated.

Those diagnosed early with rheumatoid arthritis can be prescribed arthritis medications known as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. So, if the arthritis is discovered early, much damage to the joints can be forestalled.

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