Side Effect Solutions

Pain gets in the way, interfering with daily activities, disrupting sleep and generally reducing the quality of life for many people. That’s why medications to ease pain – analgesics – are among the most-used drugs for many forms of arthritis.

Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which target both pain and inflammation, analgesics are designed purely for pain relief. For that reason, they may be safe for people who are unable to take NSAIDs due to allergies or stomach problems, for example. They’re also an appropriate, and possibly safer, choice for people whose arthritis causes pain but not inflammation.

The most commonly used analgesic, acetaminophen, is also the most widely available. Because of its low cost, effectiveness and safety, rheumatologists recommend acetaminophen as a first-line option against osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Some people use acetaminophen in addition to an NSAID for added pain relief (but always speak to your doctor before combining any medications, even those available without a prescription).

For severe pain that isn’t eased by acetaminophen, doctors sometimes prescribe analgesics containing an opioid, such as codeine or hydrocodone. Sometimes these products also contain acetaminophen, such as oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet) or propoxyphene with acetaminophen (Darvocet)—so if your doctor prescribes one for you, make sure you don't get a double dose of acetaminophen, which can be toxic. Longer-acting opioid analgesics are available, too. Some of these come in pill forms, such as oxycodone (OxyContin); another option is transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic), a patch that delivers opioid medication through the skin.

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