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DEADLY ARTHRITIS DRUGSThe broad categories of arthritis drugs are as follows- • NSAID's….. (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) All NSAID drugs (even the newer ones like Vioxx and Celebrex) have the potential to cause irritation, ulceration, intestinal bleeding, bleeding and perforation of the lining of the stomach. For this reason, it is important that you never take any NSAID drug on an empty stomach. NSAID's should be taken with food, preferably after a meal. You should not mix any NSAID drug with blood-thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) unless your doctor gives you specific instructions on how to do so. Some NSAID drugs have been known to cause drowsiness. Ask your doctor/ health care practitioner for their opinion and recommendations regarding this matter. NSAID's are basically of two types- 1) COX-2 Inhibitors. Although COX-2 inhibitors cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects (ulcers, bleeding) than other NSAIDs, they may increase your risk of heart attack. The popular arthritis drug Vioxx has been recalled by its manufacturer Merck, because new research shows the drug is linked to an increased risk of cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke. The voluntary worldwide withdrawal of Vioxx comes after new data from a three-year trial showed there was an increased risk for cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, when the medication was taken for a period exceeding 18 months of use. Whether the increased risk of heart attack is attributable to a property of Cox-2 inhibitors (this includes both Vioxx and Celebrex), or whether it is solely specific to Vioxx, is not yet known. 2) Salicylates Many doctors and patients still prefer the oldest category of NSAIDs - the salicylates which includes aspirin. • Analgesics Analgesics are used to achieve a goal of most arthritis treatment plans – pain relief. However many of the analgesics can have serious side effects; hence it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any. • BRM's……(Biologic Response Modifiers ) Although the BRMs work in different ways, all inhibit proteins called cytokines, which contribute to inflammation. Their side effects can vary, which is why it is essential to consult your doctor. • Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are used in varying dosages to ease damaging inflammation of the joints and organs. Unfortunately, they also carry side effects like brittle bones, cataracts and elevated blood sugar - particularly if they are taken in high doses or for long periods of time. • DMARDs……( Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) This is another arthritis drug which may actually modify the course of inflammatory conditions, slowing or perhaps even stopping their progression. Because DMARDs suppress the immune system, always watch for signs of infection - chills, fever, sore throat or cough - and report them to your doctor. You also should speak with your doctor before getting any vaccinations while you are taking these drugs. These above are the basic categories of medications/drugs which are generally used in arthritis. How ever each one of them has some kind of side effect or another. Some more serious than the other. Taking into consideration the drugs and their side effects, more and more people and health care practitioners are turning towards more holistic and healthier alternatives. Glucosamine is one such alternative remedy, whose use is recommended by many health care practitioners/doctors. Glucosamine stimulates the formation and repair of articular cartilage. Over-the-counter supplements come from animal sources. Glucosamine is very beneficial in the treatment for arthritis and is backed by numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In these studies, glucosamine has been shown to rehabilitate cartilage; reduce the progression of osteoarthritis; and significantly lessen pain from arthritis. There are very few side effects of glucosamine. Glucosamine is very safe in comparison to the side effects of COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, Vioxx or NSAIDs like Aleve, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Glucosamine is available in various forms, such as tablet, powder and liquid from. There are varied opinions as to which form is the best. Though the liquid form takes effect faster, it is not very hygienic and can carry many bacteria, there is also the fact that in the liquid form certain preservatives etc may be added which can be harmful. Powder glucosamine is a more reliable and effective form for intake of Glucosamine. Tablet glucosamine is another form, which can be taken, how ever it can be quite difficult to swallow for some people since the tablet can be big in size. Powder glucosamine is comparatively easier to take. This powder form of glucosamine is all in all the most safe and effective alternative for dealing with arthritis. |
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