Arthritis drugs & medication
Different types of arthritis are treated with different drugs.
Drugs are given to improve the symptoms and, where possible, to
slow or halt the progress of the condition. Depending on your type
of arthritis your doctor may need to give you a combination of one
or more specific drugs to deal with the disease itself, as well as
more general drugs to help you with the pain, stiffness or
inflammation that are the symptoms.
There are four main groups of drugs used to treat arthritis:
- Painkillers (analgesics) - These reduce pain. They are used for
many different types of arthritis and are often used together with
other drugs.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) - These reduce inflammation of the joint as well
as pain. They are used for many different types of arthritis, often
along with other drugs.
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
(DMARDs) - This group of drugs is used mainly in the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but also in some other rheumatic
diseases. They reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Corticosteroids (steroids) - These
drugs are very effective in controlling inflammation.
Read entire article »
Examples of drugs used to treat arthritis
Important points to remember about drug treatment of
arthritis
- You may be on more than one drug for your arthritis. This is
because different drugs work in different ways. A common
combination is an analgesic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) and one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
(DMARDs).
- If one drug does not work this does not mean that you will not
respond to another. Similarly, if you develop side-effects with one
drug this does not mean that you will develop the same problems
with another drug.
- Some drugs, including several used in the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis, do not work immediately. Some can take
several months to produce improvement.
- While most drugs are taken by mouth (orally) some are given by
suppository or by injection. For example, gold is usually given by
injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection), etanercept is
given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection), and
infliximab is given as a drip into a vein (intravenous
infusion).
- Some drugs are started at a low dose which is gradually
increased (e.g. methotrexate). Other drugs are started at a higher
dose and depending on how you respond to the drug the dose may be
reduced (e.g. gold injections).
General points to remember about all drugs
- Keep a list of all the drugs you take (including those bought
over the counter) so that you can tell your doctor.
- Follow the instructions that your doctor or pharmacist gives
you about taking your treatment. For example, anti-inflammatory
tablets should be taken with or after food. If the instructions are
not clear, ask for an explanation.
- If after starting a drug for arthritis you experience any
side-effects, tell your doctor or rheumatology nurse
specialist.
- Do not take medicines that you can buy without prescription
without first discussing this with your doctor. These medicines may
not be safe for you. For example, some contain anti-inflammatory
drugs which can cause problems or react with the drugs that your
doctor prescribes. This includes complementary medicines, e.g.
herbal remedies or nutritional supplements.
- Never share your medicines with others. Your medicines may harm
them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children.
- Some drugs must not be taken together with alcohol. If in
doubt, ask your doctor.
- If you miss a dose, do not try to ‘catch up’ by taking extra
tablets. If you are worried, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Drugs are only one aspect of the treatment of arthritis. Other
helpful treatments include physiotherapy,
occupational therapy and foot care
(chiropody/podiatry).
And remember...
If you are in any doubt about your drug treatment for your
arthritis, ask your doctor, rheumatology nurse or pharmacist for
advice.
Latest News
Head to Head
Arthritis Today, Winter 2010
The UK’s first trial comparing anti-TNF therapy against rituximab is being funded not by the big pharmaceutical companies but by Arthritis Research UK
Reminder
Please note: We have made every effort to ensure that this content is correct at time of publication, but remember that information about drugs may change.
This information is for general education only and does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with these drugs.
For full details please see the drug information leaflet that comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects that may be relevant in your particular case.