In: Nursing
Ans) Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function.
Medications:
- The medications used to treat arthritis vary depending on the
type of arthritis. Commonly used arthritis medications include:
• Painkillers- These medications help reduce pain, but have no effect on inflammation. An over-the-counter option includes acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
For more-severe pain, opioids might be prescribed, such as tramadol (Ultram, ConZip), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, others) or hydrocodone (Hysingla, Zohydro ER). Opioids act on the central nervous system to relieve pain. When opioids are used for a long time, they may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- NSAIDs reduce both pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve). Some types of NSAIDs are available only by prescription.
Oral NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Some NSAIDs are also available as creams or gels, which can be rubbed on joints.
• Counterirritants- Some varieties of creams and ointments
contain menthol or capsaicin, the ingredient that makes hot peppers
spicy. Rubbing these preparations on the skin over your aching
joint may interfere with the transmission of pain signals from the
joint itself.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Often used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis, DMARDs slow or stop your immune system from
attacking your joints. Examples include methotrexate (Trexall,
Rasuvo, others) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).
Biologic response modifiers. Typically used in conjunction with
DMARDs, biologic response modifiers are genetically engineered
drugs that target various protein molecules that are involved in
the immune response.
There are many types of biologic response modifiers. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are commonly prescribed. Examples include etanercept (Enbrel, Erelzi, Eticovo) and infliximab (Remicade, Inflectra, others).
Other medications target other substances that play a role in inflammation, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Janus kinase enzymes, and certain types of white blood cells known as B cells and T cells.
• Corticosteroids- This class of drugs, which includes prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) and cortisone (Cortef), reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Corticosteroids can be taken orally or can be injected directly into the painful joint.