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If you suffer with arthritis, you may be surprised to find that some common arthritis drugs simply don't work for you. That's because there are more than one hundred different forms of arthritis, and every drug is not effective for all patients. You've seen the seemingly endless list of drugs, each promising to bring relief from your daily arthritis pain and inflammation. However, you may not understand just how these medications differ, or exactly how they are meant to treat the disease. Here is an introduction to some of the basic arthritis medications available, with details on possible solutions to your arthritic pain and inflammation. Analgesic Medications The pain associated with arthritis can be extremely severe, and most patients turn to pain medications to help relief their suffering. When the pain gets to be too much to bear, doctors will prescribe strong painkillers called analgesics. Codeine, darvocet, percocet, vicodin and Tylenol are all commonly prescribed analgesics. While these medications will help to take the edge off of the pain of arthritis, they are 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. Corticosteroid Treatments Many arthritis sufferers turn to corticosteroids for relief from their symptoms. These drugs can reduce swelling and inflammation in the arthritic areas, relieve pain and loosen stiff joints. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation in joints and organs caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis. These drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, so the dosage will vary depending on the individual patient. Corticosteroids can actually create long-term complications if used over a long period of time or taken in too high a dosage. DMARD Treatments Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs, or DMARDs, are often prescribed to help treat the problems of arthritis. Acting slowly, these compounds allow their effects on arthritis to gradually strengthen over the course of a few weeks. DMARDs are used to help stop the progression of several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. If taken over an extended period of time, these drugs can actually halt the damage to the affected joint. They are good options for patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. NSAID Treatments Celebrex, ibuprofen and aspirin are among the common NSAIDs. These over-the-counter drugs are commonly prescribed for arthritis relief. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, are taken to bring the inflammation of the affected area to a minimum. Patients enjoy decreased pain and stiffness, and the affected joints may have an extended range of motion. Remember, there are more than one hundred different types of arthritis, so don't assume that what worked for your brother, or friend, or coworker will necessarily work for you. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any regime of drugs for arthritis. Be sure to understand what you are taking, how each medication should be taken, and whether there is the possibility of side effects or complications.
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About the Article Author
Freelancer Eunice Gaelek contributes to numerous popular web magazines, on healthy care and healthy aging themes.
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