Created on: 06/11/07 - Email to friend - Print Page

Types of Drugs

Analgesics

Analgesics are used to achieve a goal of most arthritis treatment plans – pain relief.

Biologic agents were once reserved for people who's rheumatoid arthritis symptoms failed to respond to other therapies. Now these agents are benefiting more people in ways that weren't originally anticipated.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, or steroids, are used to treat joint inflammation and inflammation of the organs.

DMARDs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may actually modify the course of inflammatory conditions, slowing or perhaps even stopping their progression.

Fibromyalgia Medications

Medications used for fibromyalgia are largely different from treatments of other forms of arthritis and related conditions—the goal is to relieve muscle aches, pain and fatigue.

Gout Medications

Gout medications are used to relieve acute pain and inflammation and reduce uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing recurrence of attacks.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to help relieve symptoms in any form of arthritis.

Osteoporosis Medications

Now more treatment options are available for women, men and even children.

Sjögren's Syndrome Drugs

"Food that tastes like paper" and "eyes that feel gritty" are descriptions from patients with dry mucous membranes caused by Sjögren's syndrome, which can occur by itself or along with autoimmune conditions such as lupus or RA.