According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), arthritis medications are used to slow down the disease process, to reduce damage to joints and to control pain. The arthritis medicine selected is dependent on the type of arthritis being treated. Two commonly known types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting weight-bearing joints such as the knee, and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the whole body. With an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, the body's defense system attacks itself, causing pain, swelling and immobility.
Drug Classes
Analgesics, or pain relievers such as acetaminophen, are used to treat arthritis. Anti-inflammatories include salicylates (aspirin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and steroids like prednisone.
The AHRQ reports that the most effective medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs. These medications are immunosuppressants. When rheumatoid arthritis patients take DMARDs such as methotrexate, the immune system is weakened, so the body cannot attack itself as well.
Benefits
DMARDs and anti-inflammatories reduce swelling, which helps control pain and prevents joint damage. Decreased inflammation and pain helps get a person moving, which helps decrease long-term disability.
Considerations
Often a combination of medications is used to relieve arthritis pain. According to the AHRQ, DMARDs can take from weeks to months to reach therapeutic effect, so combining arthritis medication is necessary to control pain and inflammation.
Warnings
DMARDs and steroids increase the risk of infection because of their effect on the immune system. It is crucial to take arthritis medication as directed and to maintain regular follow-ups with your physician.
The AHRQ reports that some DMARDs can cause liver and kidney problems. Regular checkups and lab work are necessary while taking DMARDs.
Long-term use of steroids can decrease bone strength, raise blood sugar and cause weight gain. For these reasons, physicians prefer to prescribe the lowest dose possible to achieve a therapeutic effect. Also, patients need regular lab work and monitoring while taking steroids.
Prevention
To enhance the effectiveness of arthritis medications, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) encourages people with arthritis to exercise regularly and to follow a well-balanced diet that provides adequate calcium and vitamin D.
