Medications To Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is an array of prescription arthritis medications which health professionals can provide to help with rheumatoid arthritis. While none of these arthritis medications cure arthritis, they can relieve pain, relieve 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 people are familiar with aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only negative side to these arthritis medications is they might cause stomach problems, such as indigestion and bleeding. They can also raise blood pressure in a person and cause susceptibility to fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a class of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which do not cause as much harm to the stomach. This class of arthritis medication operates by suppressing an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase which is an issue in inflammation. However, fluid retention and raised blood pressure are side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that persons 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 can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They can also moderate the damage to joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few arthritis patients who take corticosteroids have stated that they feel significantly better. However, after a period of time the effectiveness of corticosteroids may decrease. There is also the possibility of acquiring significant side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and thinning of the bones, after long-time use of corticosteroids.

It is important to see a doctor at the initial signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has not been able to produce a cure for arthritis, they do demonstrate progress in pain relief and bringing down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants may be prescribed as an arthritis medication to assist with he balance of 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 used in conjunction with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers work by blocking the protein which inflames the joints. People who are treated with TNF blockers report reduced pain and less stiffness.

Those diagnosed promptly with rheumatoid arthritis can be issued with arthritis medications known as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs slow the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, if the arthritis is diagnosed early, a lot of damage to the joints can be forestalled.

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