Overview
Arthritis medications play a crucial role in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and slowing disease progression. This guide covers the main types of medications used in arthritis treatment.
Common Medication Classes
1. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
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Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib
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Purpose: Reduce pain and inflammation
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Usage: Can be taken as needed or regularly
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Key considerations: Take with food to prevent stomach upset
2. Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
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Examples: methotrexate, sulfasalazine
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Purpose: Slow disease progression
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Usage: Regular scheduled doses
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Monitoring: Requires regular blood tests
3. Biologics
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Examples: adalimumab, etanercept
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Purpose: Target specific immune system components
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Administration: Usually by injection or infusion
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Special storage: Often requires refrigeration
4. Corticosteroids
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Examples: prednisone, cortisone injections
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Purpose: Rapid inflammation relief
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Usage: Short-term or targeted treatment
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Monitoring: Side effects need careful observation
Safety Guidelines
- Never adjust doses without consulting your doctor
- Report side effects promptly
- Keep a medication diary
- Store medications properly
- Don't skip doses of DMARDs
When to Contact Your Doctor
- Unusual side effects
- Infection symptoms
- Severe pain despite medication
- Questions about drug interactions
Regular Monitoring
- Follow recommended blood test schedules
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Track effectiveness in symptom diary
- Regular blood pressure checks as needed