Arthritis Medications (Cont.)

Corticosteroids as Arthritis Medication

Corticosteroids may be recommended for certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the type of arthritis, these medications are given by mouth and/or injection. Corticosteroids are used to relieve inflammation and reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.
 
Side effects can include increased appetite, indigestion, nervousness, or restlessness.
 
Prior to taking any corticosteroid, let your doctor know if you have one of the following: a fungal infection, a history of tuberculosis, underactive thyroid, herpes simplex of the eye, high blood pressure (hypertension), osteoporosis, or stomach ulcers.
 
Some examples of corticosteroids that are commonly used as arthritis medication include:
 
  • Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®)
  • Prednisone.
     

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs are common arthritis medications for a number of different types of arthritis. They relieve painful, swollen joints and slow joint damage; and several DMARDs may be used over the course of the disease. They take a few weeks or months to have an effect, and may produce significant improvements for many patients. Exactly how they work is still unknown.
 
Side effects vary with each medicine. DMARDs may increase the risk of infections, hair loss, and kidney or liver damage. By having a doctor monitor the medication progress, the risks of toxicities can be weighed against the potential benefits of individual medications.
 
Some examples of DMARDs used as arthritis medication include:
 
(Click Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication to read more about DMARDs.)
 
(Arthritis Medications Continued: Page 5)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD