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Arthritis Drugs - Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?
by Wendy Owen
Research is always ongoing into new and better medications for arthritis which
is a very good thing. But where is all this leading us?
Of course we need effective pain medication for arthritis to enable sufferers to
live normal lives. But are all these expensive medications controlling the
disease or simply masking the symptoms?
Here's a "quick and dirty" lowdown on what's currently available both "over the
counter" (OTC) and on prescription only.
For mild cases of arthritis:
Some milder cases of arthritis never make it into the doctor's surgery. Indeed
the sufferer might not even be aware that they are suffering from arthritis at
all. They may be feeling a few "aches and pains" which they put down to old age
or even the cold damp weather.
That may be all well and good, but even OTC medications can be dangerous if
taken over a long period of time. The concept of "more is better" can also
happen if the pain gradually becomes worse. This can lead to serious side effects.
OTC medications include aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications can cause
intestinal bleeding and kidney damage in large doses. Aspirin also destroys
vitamin C in the body leading to lower immunity.
For More Advanced Arthritis:
By this stage most people have consulted their doctor. Prescription medication
at this stage normally consists of the Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or
NSAIDS. These do target the pain and inflammation of arthritis symptoms but have
a range of side effects including stomach upset, abdominal pain, and ulcers.
People with high blood pressure, those with kidney problems and especially
people who have heart problems are especially at risk with NSAIDS.
Enter the COX-2 inhibitors. These have been designed for people whose stomach
problems cannot tolerate the above. Unfortunately the risks remain for chest
pain, heart attack and stroke victims.
For Advanced Arthritis:
For those suffering extreme pain and swelling the medical profession brings out
the heavy artillery - Corticosteroids. These drugs contain man made cortisone
and can be injected directly into the affected joints or taken orally.
Long term use of these can produce sleep problems, weight gain, osteoporosis and
loss of immunity. Also available to those for whom nothing else seems to work
are Biologic Response Modifiers (Biologics). Biologics are derived from live
sources, plants and animals and are not manufactured chemically. They are mainly
used for sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis and are given intravenously or by
injection. They can't be taken in tablet form.
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