The treatment that is recommended for arthritis is medication. The medication will help slow the progression of the disease. There are a variety of different pain medications to treat arthritis.They are put into two categories: opioid and non-opioid medication. Here is a guide to what they are and what they do.
Arthritis is a medical condition which consists of the inflammation of joints that cause pain and stiffness that begins to worsen with age. Arthritis becomes more common with old age and it can limit day to day function. The areas that can be targeted are back, fingers, heels, hands, neck, or wrist. It happens by the muscles weakening or decreasing the range of motion.
Opioid
Opioids are a very common way of eliminating pain through medication. They can treat severe, post-surgery pain, or short term pain. Although they treat pain, they are not recommended for chronic pain. This is because they can trigger addiction and the body will begin to tolerate them and they will be less effective over time.
Non-Opioids
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is another type of arthritis medication. It is also known as Tylenol and it works by disrupting the pain signals that are sent to the brain. This can be added in with other medications like opioids and cold medication. Acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver when taken in large amounts or consumed with alcohol.
NSAIDS
NSAIDS stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by alleviating inflammation. Examples of these drugs are ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen, and Aleve, which are all over-the-counter medications. Prescription medication that is NSAIDS are celecoxib and Celebrex. Side effects of NSAIDS are:
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Problems
Arthritis can be a serious problem and may cause limited mobility. If you or a loved one thinks they are suffering from dueto-arthritis then it is best to see your doctor for arthritis medications and other options. Medication can be complicated, so it is recommended to talk to your doctor about which drugs are right for you.
DMARDs
DMARD is an acronym that stands for Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. These drugs are primarily used to decrease inflammation and temporarily ease the pain caused by inflammation. The most common DMARDs are:
- Arava
- Trexall
- Minocin
- Azulfidine
- Plaquenil
Arthritis Prescription Assistance
Are you one of the millions of Americans who can’t afford to pay for their prescription medications? Here at The Rx Helper, our goal is to provide affordable medication to all Americans, regardless of their insurance status. To qualify, you must be an uninsured or under-insured American who is struggling to pay for their prescription medications. If you would like to see if you qualify, contact us online or call 877-767-3297!
