| If you suffer with Arthritis, you will no doubt have heard | | | | As with most medications there is a risk with using |
| of the drugs under the classification of Steroids, | | | | DMARDs. DMARDs work by suppressing the immune |
| Narcotics, DMARDS and Biologics. All these types of | | | | system and as a result patients are more susceptible |
| medications are prescribed to those who suffer from | | | | to infections while using this particular medication |
| the pain of arthritis and carry with them benefits and | | | | therapy. They are also at increased risk for liver |
| risks that patients and their doctors should discuss | | | | issues, low blood count occurrences and a slightly |
| before a pain management plan is put into action. | | | | increased risk of certain cancers. It is widely |
| Steroids | | | | recommended that regular blood tests be done so the |
| Used to reduce swelling, inflammation and the | | | | doctor can be aware of any changes in blood count |
| associated pain, Steroids are a strong | | | | and organ functions. |
| anti-inflammatory medication. Often sufferers of both | | | | It is usual when undertaking any medication therapy |
| osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be given | | | | that the doctor will explain the risks of such therapy to |
| steroid injections directly into the painful joint to relieve | | | | the patient and together they can weigh up the |
| pain in that joint. Steroids are commonly prescribed in | | | | benefits against the risks. Other illnesses the patient |
| tablet form to give temporary relief of the symptoms | | | | may be experiencing will also be taken into |
| of "flare-ups" for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This | | | | consideration when using medication such as |
| medication is available in different strengths, with lower | | | | DMARDs. If the disease is progressive and creates a |
| doses being taken over a longer term to help maintain | | | | current or future risk of disability without the treatment |
| the occurrence of inflammation and pain. The use of | | | | than that is a major consideration. Quality of life is |
| steroids can make a big difference in the quality of life | | | | extremely important and the decision to proceed with |
| especially for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | DMARDs medication therapy must be weighed |
| The risks associated with long-term use of steroids | | | | seriously against other pain management alternatives. |
| need to be weighed up against the benefits. Effects | | | | Biologics |
| such as increased risk of infections and an increase in | | | | Biologics (Biological Response Modifiers) are a more |
| blood sugar levels are quite common. Extended use of | | | | aggressive medication therapy that is used to slow |
| steroids can also result in thinning of the bones. Usually | | | | down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Biologics |
| doctors will prescribe the use of steroid pills for | | | | are used when DMARDs therapy is no longer helpful. |
| short-term use to avoid these side effects. Steroid | | | | There are a few Biologics approved for arthritis pain |
| injections carry a lower risk for side effects and can | | | | relief such as Enbrel, Kineret, Orencia, Humira, Rituxan |
| be used for longer time periods. | | | | and Remicade. |
| Narcotics | | | | Biologics can affect part of the immune system unlike |
| Narcotics work by controlling pain by disabling the | | | | DMARDs that can affect the entire immune system. |
| nerve cell pain receptors. Doctors may prescribe | | | | Biologics are designed to inhibit or supplement different |
| prescription narcotic pain relievers such as codeine, | | | | components of our immune system. |
| fentanyl, morphine or oxycodone for the relief of | | | | Biologic medications are given by either injection or by |
| severe arthritis pain. Although Narcotics are not | | | | intravenous infusion (IV). The IV method can take up to |
| commonly prescribed for pain relief for arthritis suffers, | | | | 2 hours to receive the entire dosage. |
| in cases where the patient is so debilitated by pain that | | | | Long-term effects are unknown at present as results |
| they are unable to move they may be the answer to | | | | of studies have only been available for about 10 years. |
| assist with regaining mobility. Mobility is very important | | | | However, it is known that biologics can cause |
| in the management of pain for arthritis sufferers. The | | | | diseases that have been in remission to flare-up again |
| reason narcotics are not used more often is that there | | | | such as tuberculosis and other chronic diseases. It is |
| are a lot of side effects when using them. Narcotics | | | | also unadvisable for people under the age of 50 to |
| tend to cloud the thinking processes of people who | | | | use this type of medication therapy. |
| take them. Constipation is another common side effect | | | | In summary; although many of the types of medication |
| to narcotic usage. | | | | discussed here can and do have their risks, it must be |
| DMARDs | | | | remembered that people suffering with the debilitating |
| DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) | | | | pain associated with many arthritis diseases, have |
| are used to prevent the joint damage that inflammation | | | | very little choice when it comes to pain relief. Pain in |
| causes in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methotrexate is | | | | itself can cause other problems such as depression, |
| a commonly prescribed DMARD. These medications | | | | therefore the decision to undertake this type of |
| usually take weeks before there is any noticeable | | | | medication therapy becomes the lesser of two evils. |
| effect on the patient so it is usual for pain relievers like | | | | This is why it is so important to fully understand the |
| steroids to be prescribed until the DMARDs take | | | | benefits and risks associated with drug therapy and to |
| effect. | | | | discuss all options and concerns with a medical |
| The use of DMARDs can drastically improve the | | | | professional, thus enabling the patient to make an |
| lifestyle of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | informed decision. |