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Arthritis

MEDICATIONS

Arthritis Medication Q&A

Q: I'm experiencing some side effects from my medication. Is that normal?
A: All drugs, even over-the-counter medications, have potential side effects. You'll find them listed right on the package or on an inserted sheet. You should be familiar with the information, and be aware of the side effects that require immediate medical attention. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more specific information about side effects based on your medical history and other medications you may be taking. Please contact your doctor or seek emergency treatment right away if you're experiencing problems.

Q: Will my arthritis medication(s) interact with other medications?
A: There can sometimes be dangerous interactions between medications. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about potential problems. Using your medical history and medication plan, they can quickly determine any potentially harmful interactions.

Q: Can the Arthritis Foundation provide information about how much or how little medicine I should be taking? What's my correct dosage?
A: Dose sizes are determined based on a variety of factors specific to each person, such as body weight and particular symptoms. Your doctor or pharmacist, using your particular information, can give you guidance about which dosage is right for you.

Q: My doctor wants me to take a new drug. Do you have information about it?
A: We offer general information about federally approved prescription medications. Take a look at our drug guide, and information about various classes of medications. If you want more information, you can also visit the Web site of the drug's manufacturer.

Q: I've read a lot of news stories about biologic response modifiers such as Enbrel (etanercept) and Remicade (infliximab). Can you tell more about them?
A: We offer general information about these treatments in our drug guide and in our brochure section. You can also get information on their Web sites:
Enbrel -- http://www.enbrel.com -- the site contains phone numbers, including questions and patient assistance
Remicade -- http://www.centocor.com/

Q: What can you tell me about Cox-2 inhibitors?
A: This is a new class of pain relievers that may be more suitable for people who have gastrointestinal problems. The first two drugs in this class were Celebrex and Vioxx. We offer general information about these treatments in our drug guide and in our brochure section. You can also get information on their Web sites:
Celebrex -- http://www.celebrex.com
Vioxx -- http://www.vioxx.com

Q: My child recently was diagnosed with arthritis. What do I need to know?
A: There are many resources available through the Arthritis Foundation to help you and your child. A great place to begin is the Starting Points, compilations of links that will take you to the major information areas most relevant to you. You might also want to look at our section on Children, Teens and Young Adults and its section for parents and our information about the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.

Q: If my father and mother had arthritis, does that mean I'll get it?
A: While researchers suspect that some forms of arthritis have genetic links that does not necessarily mean that you will develop it. There are other "triggers" that can lead to someone having arthritis and many forms of arthritis are not fully understood as to what their causes may be.

Q: My doctor has recommended surgery for my arthritis. What do I need to know?
A: For some people, joint replacement and other types of surgery can provide significant pain relief and restore physical function. Your physician can help you find a qualified surgeon in your area who can do the procedures, and may be able to provide names of other people who have had the surgery with whom you can speak. The Arthritis Foundation provides free information about what to expect from your surgery, the rehabilitation process and how to prepare for surgery.

Q: Where is the best place to live if I have arthritis?
A: Some people with arthritis feel better in a warm, dry climate. For people with arthritis, life can be easier in a warm climate, because they don't have to struggle with ice and snow. Studies of the effects of weather on people with rheumatoid arthritis are inconclusive. Symptoms may worsen if the barometric pressure goes down and the humidity goes up. And even if the warmer, drier climate helps you feel better, it will not alleviate the disease itself. If you are considering a move to a warmer climate, spending more time than a vacation there will be necessary to assess how your symptoms are affected. Another thing to consider before moving is the effect of moving away from you support system of family and friends, which may outweigh the benefits of the warmer weather.

Types of Drugs

NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to help relieve symptoms in any form of arthritis.

Analgesics
Analgesics are used to achieve a goal of most arthritis treatment plans - pain relief.

Biologic Response Modifiers
Biologic agents were once reserved for people whose rheumatoid arthritis symptoms failed to respond to other therapies. Now these agents are benefiting more people in ways that weren't originally anticipated.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, or simply steroids, are used in varying dosages to ease damaging inflammation of the joints and organs.

DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may actually modify the course of inflammatory conditions, slowing or perhaps even stopping their progression.

Fibromyalgia Medications
Medications used for fibromyalgia are largely different from treatments of other forms of arthritis and related conditions - the goal is to relieve muscle aches, pain and fatigue.

Osteoporosis Medications
Now more treatment options are available for women, men and even children.

Gout Medications
Gout medications are used to relieve acute pain and inflammation and reduce uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing recurrence of attacks.

Arthritis Treatment and Medication Plans

Arthritis treatments have come a long way. You no longer need to suffer with the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Many treatment options are available, from over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, to prescription medicines, such as COX-2 specific inhibitors, to surgery. Diet and exercise are also an important part of your treatment plan. Alternative therapies, such as dietary supplements and acupuncture, are being used more widely.

See your healthcare professional right away if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of arthritis. Early intervention can be an important step toward a successful treatment plan. So stop putting off that round of golf or game of tennis doubles because of your arthritis pain and get the treatment you deserve!

These days, most people strive to be conscious of their overall health - mind, body and spirit. We know to watch what we eat and exercise regularly. We are learning to take an active role in building a strong, healthy body, and we're getting better at balancing work and play. These are all great goals, especially for people with arthritis or related conditions. But these are only a few of the components that will build a stronger, healthier you.

What's missing? How about taking a more active role in your arthritis treatment plan? With hundreds of arthritis medications on the market, boosting your drug IQ is certainly a goal worth embracing. The more you know about your meds, the greater control you can take over your arthritis. By being aware of various drugs, you can help your doctor help you.

With a comprehensive listing and explanation of arthritis medications, having Arthritis Today's "2004 Drug Guide" is kind of like having your own on-call doctor right at your fingertips. Use it as a reference to learn about the medications you're taking, newly approved drugs or medications you'd simply like to know more about. You can also use the Drug Guide as a tool to improve communication with your doctor. If you have questions about the medications you're taking or ones you'd like to try, highlight those drugs, write down your questions and take the Drug Guide to your doctor on your next visit. Being prepared and knowledgeable about arthritis medications will help you and your doctor ensure that you are getting the most appropriate drug treatment for your health situation.

With detailed information on brands, dosages, side effects and more, we're excited to provide you with an authoritative and comprehensive listing of drugs for arthritis and related conditions. Use Arthritis Today's "2004 Drug Guide" to take a giant step toward taking an active role in your treatment. To be sure we've given you the latest and greatest, we've enlisted help from leading experts in all categories of arthritis medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. These experts shared their expertise and experience to bring you the most current information on drugs used in treatment plans just like yours.

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