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 .. Arthritis and medications 

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION OF VICTORIA
www.arthritisvic.org.au  ... (Copy reviewed 2005)

MEDICATIONS

Go to the New Medications page for comments about recently released and developing medications.

Pain, stiffness and inflammation are hallmarks of arthritis, which is not a single disease but a range of 150 or more separate conditions. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some forms of arthritis can be managed with exercise, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rest, but many require medication to ease the symptoms, and to control the disease.

The most commonly prescribed medication for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is a group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There is about a dozen or these drugs available, including various forms of aspirin. Paracetamol is often prescribed as first line therapy to control pain when inflammation is not present.

For more severe inflammation, corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed. For severe rheumatoid arthritis the disease modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs can be prescribed. Both groups of drugs require close monitoring, sometimes by a specialist.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST

• What is the name of the drug?
• How does it work in the body?
• What are the possible side effects and/or allergic reactions to the drug?
• Is it alright to take the drug with other drugs I might be taking?
• How long do I take the drug for?
• Is alcohol alright to have? Are there any other restrictions? Any changes I should make in my diet?
• Can I drive with the drug?
• Can you prescribe the drug generically?
• How long should I wait for the drug to take effect?
• Should I call if my condition doesn’t get any better?