Arthritis: Anti-Inflammatory Painkiller Drugs and Arthritis
One type of arthritis pain relievers are NSAIDs - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are medicines that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Inflammation is the body's response to irritation or injury, and is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs are used to treat a variety of conditions that cause inflammation, including arthritis and tendinitis. NSAIDs also are used to treat pain from injury or other causes of long-term pain.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
These Include:
| BRAND NAME | GENERIC NAME |
| Advil, Nuprin, Motrin | ibuprofen |
| Aleve | naproxen sodium |
| Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin | aspirin |
| Orudis KT | ketoprofen |
Prescription Drugs
These include:
| BRAND NAME | GENERIC NAME |
| Anaprox | naproxen sodium |
| Bextra* | valdecoxib |
| Celebrex* | celecoxib |
| Clinoril | sulindac |
| Daypro | oxaprozin |
| Disalcid | salsalate |
| Feldene | piroxicam |
| Indocin | indomethacin |
| Lodine | etodolac |
| Mobic | meloxicam |
| Naprelan | naproxen sodium |
| Naprosyn | naproxen |
| Orudis | ketoprofen |
| Relafen | nabumetone |
| Toradol | ketorolac tromethamine |
| Vioxx* | rofecoxib |
* The COX-2 inhibitors (Bextra, Celebrex and Vioxx) are a newer form of NSAID that became available within the last several years. COX-2 inhibitors also relieve inflammation but were developed to decrease the chance of side effects that can occur with older types of NSAIDs, especially stomach bleeding. While they are generally safer in this regard, there is still some risk to the stomach with COX-2 inhibitors. The only COX-2 inhibitor currently available is Celebrex. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market due to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack and, in the case of Bextra, serious skin reactions.
While Celebrex is still on the market, it, and all other prescription NSAIDs, must carry a warning on its label that users may face an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition to the prescription drugs, manufacturers of over-the-counter NSAID painkillers were instructed by the FDA in 2005 to revise their labels to clarify information about the risks of cardiovascular incidents, gastrointestinal bleeding and rare but serious skin reactions.
How Do NSAIDs Work?
NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
Do All NSAIDs Work the Same Way?
There appears to be no fundamental difference in the ability of different NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. However, you might find that you get more relief from one NSAID over another and some NSAIDs may have fewer side effects than others. Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient for people, since they only need be taken once or twice a day.
What Are the Common Side Effects of NSAIDs?
Although NSAIDs are reasonably safe medications, it is important that you are aware of potential side effects. In 2005, the FDA asked makers of NSAIDs to revise their labels to include more specific information on risks including potential heart attack, stroke, stomach bleeding.
NSAIDs are safest when low doses are taken for brief periods. Side effects most commonly occur if you are taking large doses over a prolonged time (months or years). Some side effects are mild and go away on their own or after reducing the dose. Others may be more serious and need medical attention.
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