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Arthritis Drugs Explained

By: Eunice Gaelek

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There are over one hundred different types of arthritis. It's a staggering fact, but it does help to explain why not every drug is effective for all arthritis patients.

If you suffer from arthritis, you're aware of the seemingly endless list of drugs that are said to offer relief from the pain and inflammation that you endure on a daily basis. What you may not know, however, is how each of these drugs is different, or how they are meant to treat your disease. The purpose of this article is to present some of the basic types of medications that are widely available to you, and to offer information on possible solutions to your problems stemming from arthritis.

Common Analgesics

Tylenol, Codeine, darvocet, percocet and vicodin are all commonly prescribed types of analgesics. When pain is severe, you will try medications to help relieve your suffering. Sometimes, the pain becomes unbearable, and doctors prescribe strong painkillers called analgesics. This type of medication can help take the edge off of arthritic pain, but is not effective in reducing or stopping inflammation.

Biologic Response Modifiers

BRMs, or Biologic Response Modifiers, are types of medication that are unique in how they provide arthritic treatment. Derived from living sources, not created in laboratories, BRMs help treat certain aspects of arthritis. Several types of BRMs are available to benefit patients with arthritis. These medications can help to decrease inflammation and increase T-cells in the body. By using a special type of protein, BRMs can help block the harmful affects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Corticosteroids

Many people with arthritis turn to corticosteroids for relief from their symptoms. These drugs work by reducing swelling and inflammation in the arthritic areas, thus relieving pain and loosening stiff joints. Doctors will often prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation in joints and organs caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis. Since these drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, that dosage will vary depending on the individual patient. When used over a long period of time, or in too high a dosage, corticosteroids can actually create long-term complications.

DMARD Treatments

Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are often prescribed in order to help treat the problems of arthritis. These compounds act slowly, allowing their effects on arthritis to gradually strengthen over the course of a few weeks. DMARDs can help to stop the progression of several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Using these drugs over an extended period of time can actually end the damage to the affected joint, so they are a great option for those patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Common NSAIDs

NSAIDs, or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, are among the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for arthritis. This medication is taken to bring the inflammation of the affected area to a minimum. Feelings of pain and stiffness are decreased, and the affected joints may have an extended range of motion. Celebrex, ibuprofen and aspirin are among the many common, over-the-counter forms of this type of drug.

Just as there are many types of arthritis, there is a seemingly endless list of medications promising relief. Be sure to speak with your doctor before starting any drug regime. Know about the medication you are taking, how it should be taken, and any possible side effects or complications. With more than one hundred different types of arthritis, you can't assume that what worked for your brother, friend or coworker will also work wonders for you.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Contributor Eunice Gaelek is a freelancer for a variety of Internet sites, on healthy care guide and healthy body issues.

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