Arthritis Drugs - Learn the Basics - Side-Effects - Adverse Reactions
Learn the basic information about the drugs used to treat arthritis. Information on arthritis medication side-effects and adverse reactions.
Subtopics
A - Z: Arthritis Drugs @
A - Z: Osteoporosis Drugs @
A - Z: Biologics/BRMs @
A - Z: Over-the-Counter Drugs @
A - Z: Corticosteroids @
A - Z: PainKillers @
A - Z: Cox-2 Inhibitors @
A - Z: Sjogren's Drugs @
A - Z: DMARDs @
A - Z: Sleeping Aids @
A - Z: Fibromyalgia Drugs @
A - Z: Topicals @
A - Z: Gout Drugs @
Needlephobia (Fear of Needles) @
A - Z: Muscle Relaxers @
Prescription Drug Abuse and Drug Misuse @
A - Z: NSAIDs @
Articles & Resources
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Drug Side Effects Sometimes Cause Eye Symptoms
Side effects of certain medications can cause eye symptoms.
Side effects of certain medications can cause eye symptoms.
Driving Under the Influence: The Laws Also Apply to Prescriptions!
"DUI" means driving under the influence of not only alcohol and illegal drugs, but also medications prescribed by our doctors. If you don't know your meds, find out about them, be very familiar with how your body responds to them, and if there is the remotest doubt, have someone else drive.
"DUI" means driving under the influence of not only alcohol and illegal drugs, but also medications prescribed by our doctors. If you don't know your meds, find out about them, be very familiar with how your body responds to them, and if there is the remotest doubt, have someone else drive.
Neuropathy Secondary To Drugs
Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a condition where there is a loss of sensation (or movement) in a part of the body. It is associated with use of a medication that can damage nerves. Many medications can be associated with the development of neuropathy.
Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a condition where there is a loss of sensation (or movement) in a part of the body. It is associated with use of a medication that can damage nerves. Many medications can be associated with the development of neuropathy.
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.
Research shows no evidence to date that rheumatoid arthritis treatments, particularly the newest medications, increases the risk of breast cancer.
Herbal Supplements And Arthritis Drugs Can Be Dangerous Mix
Not all supplements are safe if you are taking arthritis medications. According to a study in the May 2005 issue of Annals of The Rheumatic Diseases.
Not all supplements are safe if you are taking arthritis medications. According to a study in the May 2005 issue of Annals of The Rheumatic Diseases.
Peptic Ulcer Diet
Good and bad foods for peptic ulcers. For some people, certain foods seem to aggravate their symptoms.
Good and bad foods for peptic ulcers. For some people, certain foods seem to aggravate their symptoms.
When To Toss Your Old Drug Books and References
New drugs, and newer formats of old drugs come to market frequently. Even the newest editions of references may not be complete.
New drugs, and newer formats of old drugs come to market frequently. Even the newest editions of references may not be complete.
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.
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.
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?
Arthritis patients sometimes fear the side effects of the TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Should they be afraid and avoid these drugs?
Arthritis Medicines - 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.
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.
How to Take Liquid Medications
Tips on liquid medication administration.
Tips on liquid medication administration.
How to Fill a Prescription
Tips on getting a prescription filled.
Tips on getting a prescription filled.
Drug-induced erectile dysfunction - Drugs may cause impotence
Drugs may cause impotence. Various medications and drugs can have an affect on sexual arousal and sexual performance. It should be noted that what causes impotency in one man may cause an erection in another.
Drugs may cause impotence. Various medications and drugs can have an affect on sexual arousal and sexual performance. It should be noted that what causes impotency in one man may cause an erection in another.
Drug Tampering - How to Determine Drug Tampering
How do you determine if a drug product has been tampered with?
How do you determine if a drug product has been tampered with?
An In-Depth Report: Peptic Ulcers
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of stomach and GI ulcers.
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of stomach and GI ulcers.
Drug allergies
Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by allergic reaction to a drug (medication).
Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by allergic reaction to a drug (medication).
Angioedema
Angioedema is a swelling similar to urticaria (hives), but the swelling is beneath the skin rather than on the surface. Angioedema involves the development of large welts below the surface of the skin, especially around the eyes and lips. The welts may also affect the hands, feet, and throat.
Angioedema is a swelling similar to urticaria (hives), but the swelling is beneath the skin rather than on the surface. Angioedema involves the development of large welts below the surface of the skin, especially around the eyes and lips. The welts may also affect the hands, feet, and throat.
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
Hives are raised, often itchy red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
Opiate withdrawal
Opiate withdrawal is caused by stopping or greatly reducing use of an opiate after heavy and prolonged use. Opiates include morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, and others. When stopped, the body needs time to recover, and withdrawal symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur when use is discontinued.
Opiate withdrawal is caused by stopping or greatly reducing use of an opiate after heavy and prolonged use. Opiates include morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, and others. When stopped, the body needs time to recover, and withdrawal symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur when use is discontinued.
Opioid intoxication
Opium and its derivatives (which include morphine, oxycodone, and the synthetic opioid narcotics) generate an abnormal mental state, generally characterized by excessive sleepiness or unconsciousness (depending on the degree of intoxication), and usually associated with respiratory depression and small pupils.
Opium and its derivatives (which include morphine, oxycodone, and the synthetic opioid narcotics) generate an abnormal mental state, generally characterized by excessive sleepiness or unconsciousness (depending on the degree of intoxication), and usually associated with respiratory depression and small pupils.
Allergic vasculitis
Allergic vasculitis is hypersensitivity to a drug or foreign agent that leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels of the skin.
Allergic vasculitis is hypersensitivity to a drug or foreign agent that leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels of the skin.
Drug-induced tremor
Drug-induced tremor is shaking (tremor) that occurs when an affected person is moving or trying to move, is not associated with other symptoms, and is caused by use of a medication.
Drug-induced tremor is shaking (tremor) that occurs when an affected person is moving or trying to move, is not associated with other symptoms, and is caused by use of a medication.
Megaloblastic anemia
Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia, with red blood cells that are larger than normal. Deficiencies of vitamin B-12 and folic acid are the most common causes, others causes are certain hereditary disorders and drugs that affect DNA synthesis such as chemotherapy agents (methotrexate).
Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia, with red blood cells that are larger than normal. Deficiencies of vitamin B-12 and folic acid are the most common causes, others causes are certain hereditary disorders and drugs that affect DNA synthesis such as chemotherapy agents (methotrexate).
Von Willebrands disease
Von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor. The disease is very common, affecting at least 1% of the population. A family history of a bleeding disorder is the primary risk factor. The condition is worsened by the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor. The disease is very common, affecting at least 1% of the population. A family history of a bleeding disorder is the primary risk factor. The condition is worsened by the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is an acquired form of hemolytic anemia caused by interaction of certain drugs with the immune system. The result is the production of antibodies against the red blood cells and premature red blood cell destruction.
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is an acquired form of hemolytic anemia caused by interaction of certain drugs with the immune system. The result is the production of antibodies against the red blood cells and premature red blood cell destruction.
Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia
Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia is a reduction in normally functioning platelets that can be caused by certain drugs.
Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia is a reduction in normally functioning platelets that can be caused by certain drugs.
Acquired platelet function defect
Acquired platelet function defects are non-hereditary diseases or associated conditions that cause the platelets to not function properly. Disorders of platelet function can be caused by congenital diseases or acquired conditions and medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, penicillins, phenothiazines and prednisone.
Acquired platelet function defects are non-hereditary diseases or associated conditions that cause the platelets to not function properly. Disorders of platelet function can be caused by congenital diseases or acquired conditions and medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, penicillins, phenothiazines and prednisone.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is a hereditary, sex-linked enzyme defect that results in the breakdown of red blood cells when the person is exposed to the stress of infection or certain drugs.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is a hereditary, sex-linked enzyme defect that results in the breakdown of red blood cells when the person is exposed to the stress of infection or certain drugs.
Interstitial nephritis
Interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder caused by inflammation of the tubules. It is one of the lesions associated with analgesic nephropathy, and can also occur with allergic reaction to a drug or as a side effect of medications including antibiotics, sulfonamides, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, furosemide, and thiazide diuretics.
Interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder caused by inflammation of the tubules. It is one of the lesions associated with analgesic nephropathy, and can also occur with allergic reaction to a drug or as a side effect of medications including antibiotics, sulfonamides, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, furosemide, and thiazide diuretics.
Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a disease caused by increased production of cortisol or by excessive use of cortisol or other steroid hormones. Cushing's syndrome can be caused by a tumor or by long-term use of corticosteroids (drugs commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Cushing's syndrome is a disease caused by increased production of cortisol or by excessive use of cortisol or other steroid hormones. Cushing's syndrome can be caused by a tumor or by long-term use of corticosteroids (drugs commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Exogenous adrenal insufficiency (drug-induced adrenal insufficiency)
Steroids such as betamethasone, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone and prednisone are similar to hormones produced by the adrenal glands and are used to treat arthritis. If steroids are stopped or decreased too quickly, the adrenal glands cannot begin making their own hormones again fast enough and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency result.
Steroids such as betamethasone, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone and prednisone are similar to hormones produced by the adrenal glands and are used to treat arthritis. If steroids are stopped or decreased too quickly, the adrenal glands cannot begin making their own hormones again fast enough and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency result.
Acute adrenal crisis
Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening state caused by insufficient levels of cortisol. Risk factors for adrenal crisis include physical stress such as infection, trauma or surgery, adrenal gland or pituitary gland injury, and premature termination of treatment with steroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone.
Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening state caused by insufficient levels of cortisol. Risk factors for adrenal crisis include physical stress such as infection, trauma or surgery, adrenal gland or pituitary gland injury, and premature termination of treatment with steroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone.
Folate-deficiency anemia
Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) caused by folate deficiency. Causes of the anemia are poor dietary intake of folic acid and certain medications.
Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) caused by folate deficiency. Causes of the anemia are poor dietary intake of folic acid and certain medications.
Drug-induced hypothyroidism
Drug-induced hypothyroidism involves decreased activity of the thyroid gland caused by an adverse reaction to a medication.
Drug-induced hypothyroidism involves decreased activity of the thyroid gland caused by an adverse reaction to a medication.
Drug-induced diarrhea
Diarrhea can have many causes, including medications. Diarrhea is a common side effect of medications through a variety of mechanisms.
Diarrhea can have many causes, including medications. Diarrhea is a common side effect of medications through a variety of mechanisms.
Gastritis - acute
Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Risk factors include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (NSAIDs), recent heavy alcohol use, and physiological stress.
Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Risk factors include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (NSAIDs), recent heavy alcohol use, and physiological stress.
Gastritis - chronic
Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually and persisits for a prolonged time. Chronic gastritis may be caused by prolonged irritation from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs.
Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually and persisits for a prolonged time. Chronic gastritis may be caused by prolonged irritation from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs.
Fecal Impaction
A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot be excreted. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out. Patients at risk include those who take any type of narcotic pain medication.
A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot be excreted. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out. Patients at risk include those who take any type of narcotic pain medication.
Gastric ulcer
Gastric ulcer is a break in the normal tissue lining the stomach. Benign gastric ulcers are caused by an imbalance between the secretion of acid and an enzyme called pepsin and the defenses of the stomach mucosal lining. This leads to inflammation and may be precipitated by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibruprofen.
Gastric ulcer is a break in the normal tissue lining the stomach. Benign gastric ulcers are caused by an imbalance between the secretion of acid and an enzyme called pepsin and the defenses of the stomach mucosal lining. This leads to inflammation and may be precipitated by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibruprofen.
Drug-induced hepatitis
Drug-induced hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver caused by medication. Analgesics and antipyretics that contain acetaminophen are a common cause of liver inflammation. If you use these over-the-counter medications, never increase the dose beyond what is recommended on the bottle.
Drug-induced hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver caused by medication. Analgesics and antipyretics that contain acetaminophen are a common cause of liver inflammation. If you use these over-the-counter medications, never increase the dose beyond what is recommended on the bottle.
Drug-induced cholestasis
Blockage of the flow of bile from the liver, caused by medication.
Blockage of the flow of bile from the liver, caused by medication.
Peptic ulcer
Ulcers are erosions in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestines). The most common cause of such damage is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Other factors can make it more likely for you to get an ulcer, including using aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Ulcers are erosions in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestines). The most common cause of such damage is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Other factors can make it more likely for you to get an ulcer, including using aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Drug-induced hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication. It can also be caused by stopping a drug or medication.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication. It can also be caused by stopping a drug or medication.
Drug-induced pulmonary disease
Drug-induced pulmonary disease is a lung disease caused by an adverse reaction to a medication.
Drug-induced pulmonary disease is a lung disease caused by an adverse reaction to a medication.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected. Substances that don't bother most of us (such as venom from bee stings and various foods, medications, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected. Substances that don't bother most of us (such as venom from bee stings and various foods, medications, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Vioxx Recalled by Merck
Arthritis drug Vioxx has been recalled by Merck worldwide.
Arthritis drug Vioxx has been recalled by Merck worldwide.
How to Avoid Medication Errors
A list of tips and precautionary measures to help avoid medication errors.
A list of tips and precautionary measures to help avoid medication errors.
Mixing Meds: Drug - Drug Interactions
Charts of the most commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis and related conditions, along with possible interactions between these drugs and others, including the kind you buy without a prescription, from Arthritis Foundation.
Charts of the most commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis and related conditions, along with possible interactions between these drugs and others, including the kind you buy without a prescription, from Arthritis Foundation.
Newly Approved Drug Therapies
A list of newly FDA approved drugs, from CenterWatch.
A list of newly FDA approved drugs, from CenterWatch.
OA and RA Carry Different Risk Of Drug-Related GI Bleeding
Research shows that NSAID-related bleeding risk is about 50 percent higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in osteoarthritis patients, from P/S/L Group.
Research shows that NSAID-related bleeding risk is about 50 percent higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in osteoarthritis patients, from P/S/L Group.
Foods to Watch Out For When Taking Medication
Some foods can reduce a medication's effectiveness; others may make it more effective (and possibly, even harmful). Likewise, certain medicines can undermine good nutrition, from PDRHealth.
Some foods can reduce a medication's effectiveness; others may make it more effective (and possibly, even harmful). Likewise, certain medicines can undermine good nutrition, from PDRHealth.
Understanding NSAID-Induced Ulcers
How NSAIDs work, why they cause gastrointestinal ulcers, and what options we have for preventing them, by David Elfstrom.
How NSAIDs work, why they cause gastrointestinal ulcers, and what options we have for preventing them, by David Elfstrom.
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.
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.
Review: Coping With Prednisone And Other Cortisone-Related Medicines
Prednisone was first thought to be a miracle drug but then the dark side became apparent.
Prednisone was first thought to be a miracle drug but then the dark side became apparent.
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.
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.
Making Arthritis Drugs Accessible
Arthritis drugs are inaccessible to many people due to lack of insurance coverage or low income. There are other avenues to try for what may seem like a dead-end though.
Arthritis drugs are inaccessible to many people due to lack of insurance coverage or low income. There are other avenues to try for what may seem like a dead-end though.
Borderline Drugs
Americans have been crossing the border into Mexico and Canada to buy their prescription drugs for many years, but the soaring cost of drugs in the U.S. has stirred new interest in border bargains.
Americans have been crossing the border into Mexico and Canada to buy their prescription drugs for many years, but the soaring cost of drugs in the U.S. has stirred new interest in border bargains.
Arthritis Drugs: What Are My Options?
Medications have long been considered "traditional" treatment. Since individual response to a specific medication can vary and because possible side effects are also a factor, finding the most effective medication or combination of medications can be a more difficult process than one would expect.
Medications have long been considered "traditional" treatment. Since individual response to a specific medication can vary and because possible side effects are also a factor, finding the most effective medication or combination of medications can be a more difficult process than one would expect.
The Newest Arthritis Medications
It is in your own best interest to know what new medication is coming next and learn about how it should work so you can discuss with your doctor whether you would be a candidate for the drug. But even though the newly marketed drugs and drugs still in development grab our attention, don't forget about older possibilities.
It is in your own best interest to know what new medication is coming next and learn about how it should work so you can discuss with your doctor whether you would be a candidate for the drug. But even though the newly marketed drugs and drugs still in development grab our attention, don't forget about older possibilities.
Decisions! Which Drug To Prescribe?
Pharmaceutical sales representatives want patients to use their medications. Are the marketing tactics and ploys used actually influencing what drugs are being prescribed and driving up healthcare costs?
Pharmaceutical sales representatives want patients to use their medications. Are the marketing tactics and ploys used actually influencing what drugs are being prescribed and driving up healthcare costs?
Top 10 New Medications For Arthritis
Since 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several new medications for the treatment of arthritis. The new treatment options afforded better pain relief and control of the disease for many arthritis patients.
Since 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several new medications for the treatment of arthritis. The new treatment options afforded better pain relief and control of the disease for many arthritis patients.