Arthritis drugs: Analgesics
For many people, pain can interfere with daily activities, disrupt sleep and generally reduce the quality of life. That's why medications to ease pain are among the most-used drugs for many forms of arthritis.
Unlike NSAIDs, which relieve both pain and inflammation, analgesics are designed purely for pain relief. For that reason, they may be safe for people who are unable – due to allergies or stomach problems, for example – to take NSAIDs. They're also an appropriate – and possibly safer – choice for people whose arthritis causes pain but not inflammation.
The most commonly used analgesic, acetaminophen, is also the most widely available. Because of its low-cost, effectiveness and safety, rheumatologists recommend acetaminophen as a first-line option against OA pain. Some people use acetaminophen in addition to an NSAID for added pain relief (but always speak to your doctor before combining any medications, even those available without a prescription).
For severe pain that isn't eased by acetaminophen, doctors sometimes prescribe products containing opioid analgesics, such as codeine or hydrocodone. Sometimes these products also contain acetaminophen, such as oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet) or propoxyphene with acetaminophen (Darvocet) – so if your doctor prescribes one for you, make sure you don't get a double dose of acetaminophen, which can be toxic. Longer-acting opioid analgesics are available, too. Some of these come in pill forms, such as oxycodone (OxyContin); another option is transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic), a patch that delivers opioid medication through the skin.
Unlike NSAIDs, which relieve both pain and inflammation, analgesics are designed purely for pain relief. For that reason, they may be safe for people who are unable – due to allergies or stomach problems, for example – to take NSAIDs. They're also an appropriate – and possibly safer – choice for people whose arthritis causes pain but not inflammation.
The most commonly used analgesic, acetaminophen, is also the most widely available. Because of its low-cost, effectiveness and safety, rheumatologists recommend acetaminophen as a first-line option against OA pain. Some people use acetaminophen in addition to an NSAID for added pain relief (but always speak to your doctor before combining any medications, even those available without a prescription).
For severe pain that isn't eased by acetaminophen, doctors sometimes prescribe products containing opioid analgesics, such as codeine or hydrocodone. Sometimes these products also contain acetaminophen, such as oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet) or propoxyphene with acetaminophen (Darvocet) – so if your doctor prescribes one for you, make sure you don't get a double dose of acetaminophen, which can be toxic. Longer-acting opioid analgesics are available, too. Some of these come in pill forms, such as oxycodone (OxyContin); another option is transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic), a patch that delivers opioid medication through the skin.
Arthritis News
Bone and joint diseases take toll on system
Caring for people with diseases like arthritis is taking a huge toll on the health care system. And despite the huge cost of caring for patients, many are still not getting the treatment they need. ...
Smoking doubles risk of severe arthritis
It's a well known fact that cigarette smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. More evidence now exists which adds rheumatoid arthritis to the list of diseases linked to smok...
Specialist care delayed for women with arthritis
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with early rheumatoid arthritis are referred to a rheumatologist later than men, new research shows. Early referral for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been established...