Medications for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Several types of medication are available to treat this condition. These medications may include:

 

Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin^®, Advil^®, and Nuprin^®), naproxen (Naprosyn^®), and naproxen sodium (Aleve^®, Anaprox^®, and Naprelan^®) are examples of NSAIDs. They are often the first type of medication used for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Most doctors do not treat children with aspirin because of the possibility that it will cause bleeding problems, upset stomach, liver problems, or Reye's syndrome. However, for some children, aspirin in the correct dose (measured by blood test) can control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms effectively with few serious side effects.

 

If the doctor prefers not to use aspirin, other NSAIDs are available. For example, in addition to those mentioned above, celecoxib (Celebrex^®), diclofenac (Voltaren^®, Cataflam^®), tolmetin (Tolectin^®), etodolac extended release (Lodine^® XL), or meloxicam (Mobic^®) are available with a doctor's prescription. Studies show that these medications are as effective as aspirin with fewer side effects. An upset stomach is the most common complaint in people taking these medications. Report any side effects that occur with such medications to the doctor, who may change the type or amount of medication as necessary.