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Arthritis Drugs Explained

By: Eunice Gaelek

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 have arthritis, you're probably aware that there is a seemingly endless list of drugs that are said to bring relief from your daily pain and inflammation. What you may not know is how these medications differ, or how they are meant to treat the disease. The following information is intended to introduce you to some of the basic medications available, and to provide details on possible solutions to your arthritic pain and inflammation.

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.

BRMs - Biologic Response Modifiers

Biologic Response Modifiers, or BRMs, are medications that are unique in terms of arthritic treatment. These types of drugs are not created in laboratories, but derived from living sources to help treat certain aspects of arthritis. Numerous BRMs are available to benefit those suffering with arthritis. BRMs can help to decrease inflammation and increase the body's T-cells. Using a special type of protein, they are able to 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.

DMARDs

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

Among the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for arthritis are Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are taken to reduce the inflammation of the affected area to a minimum. The feelings of pain and stiffness are decreased, and the joint may in turn have an extended range of motion. Many common, over-the-counter drugs fall under the category of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, aspirin and Celebrex.

It's important to consult with your doctor before starting any drug regime to relieve your arthritis. Understand what you are taking, know how the medication should be taken and be aware of any possible side effects or complications. There are more than one hundred different types of arthritis, so don't assume that what worked for your brother, friend or coworker will also work wonders for you.

Article Source: http://www.article-voip.com

Contributor Eunice Gaelek is a freelancer for a variety of Internet sites, on fitness woman and health discovery topics.

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