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Return To Arthritis Article Archive   Search the Article Archives Prescribed Medications For Rheumatoid Arthritis By Martin OTyson There is an array of prescribed arthritis medications which doctors can give to treat rheumatoid arthritis. While these arthritis medications may not provide a cure for, they can bring pain relief, relieve symptoms, and even slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs can reduce pain and help with inflammation. These drugs can be used as an arthritis medicine and can be purchased over the counter and in prescription form. (A large number of people are familiar with aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only down side to these arthritis medications is they can lead to stomach problems, such as bleeding and indigestion. They can also raise blood pressure in a person and cause susceptibility to fluid retention. COX-2 inhibitors are a type of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which lead to less issues with the stomach. This class of arthritis medication functions by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is a factor in inflammation. However, fluid retention and above normal blood pressure may result as side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that people who are treated with this class of drug may be more at risk from a stroke or heart attack. Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which may lessen pain and reduce inflammation. They can also moderate the damage to joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, numerous arthritis sufferers who take corticosteroids have said that they feel significantly better. However, after a while the effectiveness of corticosteroids may decrease. There is also the chance of acquiring serious side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and thinning of the bones, after long-time use of corticosteroids. It is crucial to see a doctor at the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has been unable to discover a cure for arthritis, they do show progress in pain relief and slowing down the progression rate of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants may be prescribed as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. Without such treatment, the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients is out of balance and it is out of control. TNF blockers are sometimes prescribed in conjunction with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers operate by blocking the protein which inflames the joints. People who use TNF blockers have reported that pain was reduced and stiffness alleviated. Those diagnosed early with rheumatoid arthritis can be prescribed arthritis medications referred to as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, if the arthritis is discovered early, a lot of damage to the joints can be avoided. About the Author: Martin OTyson is the webmaster of <ahref='http://www.all-arthritis-info.com'>All Arthritis Info For great articles containing excellent information about arthritis, visit: http://www.all-arthritis-info.com Arthritis Diagnosis Treatment

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