Since there are several different types of medication that can be used, I decided to break it up in a series of posts. This post will cover the more commonly used medications known as NSAIDS. Now NSAIDS is a lot easier to say its full name. In reality, NSAIDS stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. See? Told you the acronym was easier. And because of that fact, I'll be using them from this moment onward. Let's talk about NSAIDS, baby.
Now, I think that in today's society, we're more familiar with NSAIDS than we think. Many over-the-counter medications including aspirin and ibuprofen are considered to be NSAIDS. The basic job of these drugs would be to help decrease the amount of inflammation, joint pain and stiffness a person feels. Many doctors recommend or prescribe these medications to treat various forms of arthritis, headaches, menstrual pain and injuries where inflammation and pain are present. There are many people living with PsA who can control their disease with these drugs. Even though they don't do much to control the psoriasis of a PsA sufferer, NSAIDS do work to lower the inflammation which can help a person increase their daily activities and even their range of motion. How does it lower inflammation?
Well, your body's cells produce a family of chemicals called prostaglandins. These guys have some important work to do in the body - even if they do make it tough for PA sufferers. Despite the fact that they promote inflammation, pain and fever, they also help the blood's platelets to clot and help protect our stomach lining against acid damage. Over a long period of time at a high dose, these medications can wear away at your stomach and create ulcers. That's why prolonged use of NSAIDS are best monitored under doctor's care. It's also a very wise decision to make your doctor aware of all medications and any over-the-counter medications you may be taking such as vitamins, supplements and pain relievers. There are some dangerous drug interactions that can very well be fatal. It's always important to know all the pieces of the puzzle before adding something new. Below is a list of some medications that are in the NSAID category.
- Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, etc)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc)
- Naproxen (Aleve, etc)
- Lodine
- Cataflam
- Mobic
- Relafin
- Arthrotec
- Voltaren
- Daypro
- Celebrex
- Vioxx
- Bextra
These are just a few of the more common NSAIDS that are available. The last three, Celebrex, Vioxx, and Bextra, are also known as COX-2 inhibitors due to the enzyme they block in the body to reduce pain and inflammation. They are thought to be easier on the stomach while provided the same relief as other NSAIDS. In recent years, there have been scientific studies that have shown long-term use of high doses of COX-2 inhibitors can cause problems with the heart and stricter label guidelines were enforced by the FDA. Each of the NSAIDS do carry the possibility of side effects. Not everyone will experience them so it's important to be open with your doctor when it comes to your medication and how it makes YOU feel.
Most people who take these medications long-term can have some degree of stomach upset including heartburn and ulcers. The most common remedy is to take the medication during or just after a meal so that there is something between your stomach and the medication. Drinking a glass of milk when taking the medication can also help ease the discomfort. However if it persists or the pain becomes worse, you should seek medical treatment as it can mean a more severe reaction. Some elderly patients and patients with severe illness can have swelling of the face, feet or lower limbs. If this happens, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. Because the NSAIDS do affect the blood, there is also the possibility that the blood will lose some ability to clot. It's definitely important to tell your doctor if you're taking an aspirin regimen before starting an NSAID or tell your surgeon before having any surgery.
I have been on a few of the medications listed above with different levels of results. Most of them did okay for a while but never lasted long enough for me to gain what I thought would be my life back. Voltaren is really the only one listed that I had any degree of a normal life with. I do remember being able to actually jog without pain for the first time in five years. Unfortunately due to recent health problems, I can no longer take that medication. So I am currently taking a drug called Salsalate. It's an older arthritis medication but it's one that has the least probability of me bleeding to death since I also take blood thinners. Some days I can tell it's working and some days I don't think it's doing anything at all. Some days I wish I could go back to the Voltaren and be normal. Oh, who am I kidding? I'd never be normal even on Voltaren.
The main thing is to discuss your options with your doctor. Be open about your goals and what your options include. Your treatment is up to you. Be empowered and make the best informed decision alongside your doctor.
Until next time,
Kay
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