Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication
RA Conventional and Alternative Medicine
People diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis have many diverse conventional and alternative medicine options as they have degrees of symptoms.
Conventional Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis can be broken down to four main categories.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
NSAIDS are usual the first prescribed by a doctor to treat inflammation and pain, but they do not prevent joint damage.
1) Non-prescription NSAIDS include Aspirin, Anacin, Advil, Motrin, etc.
2) Prescription NSAIDS include Clinoril, Feldene, Flurbiprofen, Indocid, Naprosyn, Relafen, Voltaren, etc.
3) COX2 inhibitors (cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors) selectively block the production of the COX-2 enzyme involved in inflammation. The most effective, least side effects medication at this time is Celebrex (Vioxx & Bextra are no longer available).
Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS)
DMARDS stop production of cells in your immune system that cause pain and swelling. If started in earlier stages DMARDS may put the disease into remissions but cannot fix previously damaged joints.
1) Prescription DMARDS include Methotrexate, Hydroxchloroquine, Sulfasalazine, Cyclosporine, Imuran, Arava, Myochrysine (Gold), etc.
2) All require regular blood tests to monitor possible side effects and are often taken with NSAIDS.
Corticosteriods
Corticosteroids is used for extreme inflammation with severe pain and stiffness. It resembles a hormone naturally produced by the body. Prednisone is the most common form of corticosteriods and can be given by injection into the inflamed joint or by pill form.
Biologic Response Medicine (BRMs)
Biologic Response Medicines block specific hormones involved in the inflammatory process.
1) Prescription BRMs include Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Kineret, etc.
Alternative Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis is only limited by lack of research and loss of information through generations. The list below is by no means all-inclusive and should be investigated before taken, as should all medication.
1) Black Cohosh – used for arthritis and muscle pain, hot flashes, night sweats…
2) Cats Claw – supports the immune system and kidney health…
3) Chrondroitin – may replace chrondroitin found in cartilage around joints…
4) Cranberry – reported to help as an antioxidant and be anti-cancer…
5) Curcumin – should help with pain…
6) Echinacea – stimulates the immune system to help fight/prevent flues and other infections…
7) Feverfew – helps with RA pain, migraine headaches, tooth aches…
8) Fish Oil – Omega 3 fatty acids – reduces inflammation…
9) Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) – Omega 6 fatty acids – should provide relief for RA pain, morning stiffness, joint tenderness…
10) Ginger – helps with joint and muscle pain…
11) Ginseng – improves health mentally and physically, especially after an illness…
12) Glucosamine Sulfate – helps heal and maintain cartilage around joints…
13) Primrose Oil – used for inflammation with RA, PMS symptoms…
14) Tumeric w/Bromelain – Relieves aching muscles and joints, reducing swelling and inflammation, liver protection, digestive aid...
Please – before adding or changing your medication (conventional or alternative) talk to your doctor, pharmacist, naturopath, herbalist, etc. to discuss possible side effects and medication interactions.
This article is for information purposes only and not a substitute for any professional treatment.
Resources:
National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Arthritis Today’s 2007 Drug Guide
