According to the Mayo Clinic, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the sacroiliac joints and the joints between the vertebrae of your spine. You have two sacroiliac joints located on either side of the spine between your hip bone and tailbone. Ankylosing spondylitis causes pain, stiffness and inflammation that shows up initially in your lower back and hips.
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that doctors prescribe for the relief of pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with ankylosing spondylitis, according to the Drugs.com website. You should take oral indomethacin with food or an antacid and not on an empty stomach. This drug can cause stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding especially if you are older than the age of 65. Indomethacin may cause liver problems which have symptoms that include nausea, fatigue, itching, flu-like symptoms and yellowing of the eyes or skin. You should call your doctor if you suspect that you are having a problem with your liver while you are on this medication. Other side effects include depression, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion and sleepiness.
Naproxen (Naprelan)
According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, naproxen is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is available by prescription and as an over-the-counter medication. Naproxen is given for relief of the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with ankylosing spondylitis. It is supplied as a tablet, delayed-release tablet, extended-release tablet, and an oral suspension. You should be aware that naproxen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke especially if you take it for a prolonged period of time, warns Medline Plus. You should also keep in mind that naproxen can cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding particularly if you are older than 65, in poor health, or you consume alcoholic beverages while taking it. Other side effects may include diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, burning or tingling in the arms or legs, and ringing in the ears.
Adalimumab (Humira)
Adalimumab is a prescribed injectable medication taken for the treatment of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. A doctor will administer the drug as an injection under the skin or you will be given a pen or prefilled syringe so that you can give the injection to yourself at home. Your health care provider will give you instructions so that you can properly administer the drug yourself. You should keep in mind that adalimumab may lower your white blood cell count, and you will therefore be more susceptible to infection. Other side effects may include bladder pain, bleeding, discoloration of the skin, hives, loss of voice and nasal congestion. Check with your doctor if these side effects persist or get worse.
