Health

Arthritis Medications - Drug Side Effects

There are several options for arthritis medications. Certain drugs are used to control pain, decrease inflammation, slow disease progression, and more. Discuss your options with your doctor and weigh the benefits and risks of treatment.

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) - What You Need to Know
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is the first JAK inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Therapeutic Dose for Arthritis Medications
Arthritis patients are often advised to take the lowest possible dose of medication to avoid side effects. But, too low may not have a beneficial therapeutic effect.

Arthritis Medications - Are They Working?
Most people with arthritis are prescribed medications to help manage the disease. How can you tell if your arthritis medications are working?

Arthritis Drugs - What Are My Options?
Arthritis drugs have long been considered traditional treatment. Learn about your options.

Is It Safe or Advisable to Take Expired Arthritis Medication?
An expiration date is put on a product to make us aware that the quality of the product is diminishing. When it comes to arthritis medication, does the expiration date just warn us about quality or is it unsafe to take expired medication? There are two schools of thought on expired medication.

What Are Drug Side Effects?
Drug side effects are unintended, adverse effects that can develop with medication use. Some may be mild while others may require immediate medical attention.

Self-Injection of Arthritis Drugs
Since 1998, when Enbrel became the first biologic drug approved for arthritis, self-injection has become more common.

Arthritis Medications - Test Your Knowledge
There are several different classes of arthritis medications, and often many drugs within each class. In recent years, new arthritis drugs have become available. More are in the product pipeline. How much do you know about arthritis medications?

Don't Stop Medication Without Doctor's Input
Patients sometimes want to stop medications for one reason or another. They should not stop medication without doctor's advice.

A Decade of Drugs for Arthritis-Related Conditions
Arthritis drugs are a significant part of most arthritis treatment regimens. Arthritis patients are often eager to learn about newer arthritis drugs. The past decade has brought us 10 new drugs for arthritis-related conditions.

Arthritis Medication Side Effects - What You Should Know
Arthritis medication side effects are a possibility. Be aware of arthritis medication side effects and call your doctor if a persistent or potentially serious problem develops.

Alcohol and Arthritis Medications
Pay attention to labels and warnings about avoiding alcohol when taking arthritis medications.

Swallowing Pills: A Major Problem for Some Arthritis Patients
Swallowing pills is difficult for more people than you might think. I saw a survey that suggested 40% of people have trouble swallowing pills. Some become pill-chewers -- and for more than one reason, that's not the way to go.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments - 2008 ACR Recommendations
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments include medication options that have expanded over the last decade. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released its 2008 guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis treatments -- an update of the 2002 guidelines.

10 Most Popular Arthritis Drugs Prescribed by Rheumatologists
Arthritis drugs are used by most arthritis patients as part of their treatment plan. Patient response to arthritis drugs can vary so it's impossible to say ahead of time which drug will be most effective. Learn more about the 10 arthritis drugs most commonly prescribed by rheumatologists.

10 Ways to Ensure Drug Safety
Drug safety requires patient involvement. A patient should and should not do certain things to ensure drug safety. Patients should fully understand their prescription after discussing it with the doctor and pharmacist. Patients should never take drugs if they are unsure about the directions. Follow these tips for drug safety.

Do Antidepressants Help Chronic Pain Patients?
Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed for patients with chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. When is it appropriate to prescribe one of the antidepressants for an arthritis or fibromyalgia patient?

10 Things You Should Do When Given a New Prescription
When your doctor hands you a new prescription, it becomes your responsibility to know what the drug is for, how to take it, what side effects may occur and more. Here are 10 tips for what you should do when given a new prescription.

Lyrica - 10 Things You Should Know
Lyrica (pregabalin) has been approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Colchicine - 10 Things You Should Know
Colchicine is one of the gout treatment options. For safe use of the drug, here are 10 things you should know.

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) - 10 Things You Should Know
Safety warnings about Tylenol should be respected. Tylenol (acetaminophen) must be taken according to directions.

10 Things You Should Know About Prednisone
Prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug prescribed for arthritis.

Review Prescription Medications With Your Doctor
Prescription medications are commonly ordered by a doctor to treat arthritis and other chronic conditions. Patients should review their regimen of prescription medications with their doctor on a regular basis.

When Are Arthritis Medications Contraindicated?
Sometimes arthritis medications are contraindicated, meaning they shouldn't be given to specific patients. Are there contraindications which may eliminate a patient from taking a specific drug? What are "absolute" contraindications?

Review Prescription Label Directions
Prescription labels are confusing for many patients. Here are some tips to help you make sure you're using medications correctly.

How to Spot Pharmacy Errors
Pharmacy errors can have serious consequences.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Hip Fracture
Proton pump inhibitors which are taken for acid-related diseases and also by many arthritis patients trying to reduce gastrointestinal side effects caused by NSAIDs have been linked to an increased risk of hip fracture. Proton pump inhibitors include Nexium, Protonix, Prevacid, Aciphex and Prilosec.

What Are Salicylates? When Are Salicylates Prescribed To Treat Arthritis?
What are salicylates? When are salicylates prescribed to treat arthritis? Do salicylates carry the same cardiovascular risk as nonselective NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors?

Medications and Sun Sensitivity
Some medications cause sun sensitivity. The reaction can be severe, so protecting yourself is essential.

Traveling With Arthritis Medications
Medications are part of daily life with arthritis. When traveling, medications must be handled properly.

Can Low or High Potassium Levels Be Caused by Medications?
Potassium levels in the blood can be abnormally high or low due to medication side effects.

Hair Loss Caused By Medications - Can It Be Prevented Or Treated?
Hair loss is an unwanted side effect of some arthritis medications. Can hair loss be stopped or prevented with treatment?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Linked To Increased Risk of Infections And Cancer
TNF Blockers, specifically Humira and Remicade reportedly increase the risk of cancer and serious infection.

Are Some Arthritis Patients Unsuitable Candidates For Biologic Drugs?
Not all arthritis patients are suitable candidates for biologic drugs.

TNF Blockers (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) - Test Your Knowledge
New arthritis drug classes have been developed and approved for marketing since 1998. How much do you know about rheumatoid arthritis drugs Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira? Take the quiz and test your knowledge.

Is It Possible To Decrease The Risk Of An Allergic Reaction To Remicade?
Dr. Zashin explains what can be done to decrease the chance of having an allergic reaction to Remicade.

Driving Safely When You Take Medications
Medications may impair your driving skills.

Prescription Drug Information Package Inserts Get New Design
Package inserts containing prescription drug information are being redesigned in an effort to manage the risks of medication use.

The Prednisone Quiz - True or False?
Prednisone is a potent medication which is used to treat many inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to know the proper use of the drug and be aware of the potential serious side effects. Consult your doctor if you have questions. How much do you know about prednisone? Take the quiz.

Does Prednisone Tapering Minimize Withdrawal?
Steroid withdrawal symptoms can occur if corticosteroid drugs are not discontinued gradually.

Orencia (abatacept) for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Orencia (abatacept) is the first T-cell co-stimulation modulator approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Facts About Rituxan (rituximab)
Rituxan has been approved by the FDA to be used in combination with methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

What Are Cytotoxic Drugs?
Cytotoxic drugs, such as methotrexate, Cytoxan, and Imuran are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some other rheumatic diseases. There are potentially serious side effects associated with these drugs, but methotrexate appears to have the best safety profile. Learn more about cytotoxic drugs.

Biologic Response Modifier: What is it?
Biological therapy, also referred to as immunotherapy or biotherapy, employ biologic response modifiers (BRMs) to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight disease and/or infection. BRMs can include monoclonal antibodies, interferon, interleukin-2, and various types of colony-stimulating factors (CSF, GM-CSF, G-CSF).

Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira - How are the drugs similar and different?
Patients are often advised to weigh the benefit and risk of any medication, including TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. What similarities and differences are there between the three drugs?

FDA Announces Changes For All NSAIDS; Bextra Withdrawn From Market
Following scrutiny of the class of arthritis drugs known as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitors, the FDA has taken action.

Help Your Arthritis Treatment Work
You can help your treatment work. Arthritis can strike at any age. It hurts the joints, where two bones meet. It damages the joints and makes them stiff and painful. Correct treatment can ease the pain and help prevent more damage.

Combination Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld offers information about what's the latest arthritis treatment, including the benefit of combination therapy.

When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis Patients?
Is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed as part of the treatment plan for arthritis patients?

Does It Matter If Take Arthritis Drugs With Or Without Food?
Follow instructions from your pharmacist when taking arthritis medications.

How Long Should You Give A New Drug A Chance To Work?
How long should a patient stick with a new medication before considering it ineffective? New medications can take time to become fully effective. It's hard to tell sometimes if you have given it a fair chance or if you should give up on a particular drug.

How To Avoid Medication Errors
A few simple, common sense tasks can help you avoid medication errors and ensure your safety.

How To Reduce The Risks Of Using Arthritis Medicines
All medicines have risks. To reduce the risks related to using arthritis medicines and to get the maximum benefit, you need to play an active role on your health care team.

What Is Inflammation?
When associated with disease, inflammation can be problematic. Normally it's the body's natural defense.

How to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications
It happens to everyone for a variety of reasons. You end up with a medicine cabinet full of expired or unused medications, now considered a toxic form of household hazardous waste. Proper drug disposal is an emerging environmental issue. As with any household waste, the disposal method chosen can have a direct effect on safety and the health of...

How to Store Medicine Safely
Many people store their medications in the bathroom. But this popular spot is actually one of the worst places to keep medicine. Unnecessary exposure to heat and moisture can cause medicines to lose their potency. Travelers need to follow additional tips for safe storage of their medications.

How To Treat Gout With Diet And Medication
Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Gout attacks can be controlled or prevented by lifestyle changes and the use of certain medications.

Is Early, Aggressive Treatment Needed For New Diagnosed Patients?
Early, aggressive treatment for arthritis can prevent joint damage and deformity.

Is There Such A Thing As A "Plateau Effect" For Arthritis Medications?
It has been the experience of many arthritis patients that after taking a particular NSAID for awhile it seems to stop working or lose effectiveness.

Minocycline - Is minocycline functioning as an antibiotic when used to treat arthritis?
Some people have had good results while taking minocycline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nexium Reduces Risk Of Ulcers For Long-term NSAID Users
The potential development of ulcers in regular users of NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is well known. A new study suggests the infamous "Purple Pill", otherwise known as Nexium, might make a difference.

Pain Relievers - Use Caution With Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
All over-the-counter pain relievers should be taken with care to avoid serious problems that can occur with misuse. Certain factors can increase the risk of liver toxicity from products containing acetaminophen and the risk of GI bleeding from the use of products containing NSAIDs.

Prednisone - Benefits vs. Risks Of Longterm Prednisone Use
Prednisone is a potent medications used to control symptoms of arthritis but there are potential side effects with longterm use.

Q & A: FDA Actions On COX-2 Inhibitors & NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
On April 7, 2005, FDA announces planned regulatory actions for Bextra, Celebrex, and the non-selective prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Book Review: Overdosed America
Book review of Overdosed America by John Abramson, M.D., a book which exposes what's wrong with the pharmaceutical and health care industry.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments Do Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Research shows no evidence to date that rheumatoid arthritis treatments, particularly the newest medications, increases the risk of breast cancer.

Safety Of Arthritis Drugs: Weighing The Risks And Rewards
It's unsettling, the long-term safety of many arthritis drugs has been called into question. However, as the facts emerge, only you and your doctor can determine the level of risk that is acceptable with drugs currently available to treat arthritis.

Side Effects Of Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira - Weighing The Risk vs. Benefits
Arthritis patients sometimes fear the side effects of the TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Should they be afraid and avoid these drugs?

Steroid Injections - When are steroid injections indicated as a treatment for arthritis?
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and arthritis. When are local steroid injections indicated?

Facts About Analgesics (Painkillers)
Analgesic medication is used to treat pain.

Facts About Corticosteroids (Steroids)
Corticosteroids are effective drugs for arthritis but they must be administered within proper guidelines.

Facts About NSAIDs
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly prescribed for arthritis.

Understanding The Prescription Abbreviations
Unless you have a medical background, prescription abbreviations can be hard to figure out. What do they mean?

Top Arthritis Cream Products
Topical arthritis creams can soothe minor arthritis and muscle pain.

Top Pill Boxes - Pill Box Reminders
For people who take medications on a regular basis, a pill box or pill reminder is a useful item. Pill boxes are easy to take along, no matter where you go, and keep you on your medication schedule. Pill boxes are organized daily, weekly, or monthly. Some pill boxes lock or have timers. Some are even made to look like jewelry.

When Is It Appropriate To Switch Your TNF Blocker Drug?
If an arthritis patient is on one of the TNF blocker drugs, when is it appropriate to switch to another? Is it possible for a patient to respond differently to another TNF blocker drug? Can a patient go back on one of the TNF blocker drugs after having stopped treatment?

What Is DAS28?
DAS-28 is an assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

What Causes And Heals Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores are not uncommon in arthritis patients. We examine the reasons for mouth sores and treatments for mouth sores.

Pill Reminder - Pill Reminder for Arthritis Medications
It's important to take pills on time and according to directions. Do you need a pill reminder to help you remember? What type of pill reminder works for you?

Emergency Preparedness - Stay Ahead on Medications
Earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and terrorism have taught us the importance of emergency preparedness. People who take medications should always have enough on hand to be able to withstand an emergency situation.

The Newest Arthritis Drugs
The newest class of arthritis medications are called biologics. The first biologic, Enbrel, was marketed in 1998.

How to Choose a Medicare Part D Prescription Plan
Each year you should review your Medicare Part D prescription plan options.

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