This article is part of the Arthritis Archives.
Dateline: March 9, 2003
Newest Arthritis Medications 2003
There are now over a 100 medications being used in the treatment of arthritis and related conditions. Prescription medications are considered a traditional treatment option. Response, potential drug side effects and adverse reactions to a specific medication varies with the individual patient. It is important for the patient to be knowledgable about their options and have the ability to discuss what they learn with their doctor and make informed decisons.NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and COX-2 Selective Inhibitors
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are among the most commonly prescribed and widely used arthritis medications. One of the NSAIDs is usually included in the medication regimen of an arthritis patient. Since NSAIDs are commonly prescribed by doctors and widely used by arthritis patients, researchers and drug manufacturers team up to develop newer, safer, more effective choices. In the late 1990s a new subset of NSAIDs, known as COX-2 inhibitors was born of this research. Older NSAIDs affect the activity of both types of COX (cyclooxygenase), known as COX-1 and COX-2. The newer COX-2 inhibitors selectively affect the activity of COX-2. Three types of NSAIDs now exist: Salicylates (Non-acetylated and acetylated, such as aspirin (which has been around for more than a century), the traditional NSAIDs, and the COX-2 Selective Inhibitors.
The three COX-2 Inhibitors now include:
What's ahead? The Up and Coming Cox-2 Inhibitors Prexige(Lumiracoxib) and Arcoxia(Etoricoxib).
Arcoxia (Etoricoxib)
Merck’s New Drug Application to the FDA seeks indications for Arcoxia for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic low back pain, acute pain, dysmenorrhea, acute gouty arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Prexige (Lumiracoxib)
Already approved in the United Kingdom, Novartis is concluding safety trials for Prexige prior to seeking FDA approval in the U.S. Prexige will be up against its already successful competiton, the COX-2 inhibitors from Pfizer (Celebrex and Bextra) and Merck (Vioxx).
More info on COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDS:
The Facts Of NSAIDs
NSAIDs work to combat arthritis by interfering with the inflammatory process.
The Traditional NSAIDs include:
Arthrotec Approved For Arthritis Treatment
The FDA has approved Arthrotec, the first arthritis therapy which combines an NSAID with protection against ulcers.
DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs)
DMARDs (Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) have anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to slow disease progression in such diseasse as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Once considered a last resort, they are now prescribed as an early treatment, in addition to NSAIDs.
Learn More About The DMARDs
The Facts Of DMARDs
Learn more about the DMARDs, also known as slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs.
More Information
Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Methotrexate is considered the standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
