Your Guide to Arthritis Medications: Examples, Side Effects, and More (2024)

Clinicians often treat arthritis with pain relievers and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. They may also administer biologics and corticosteroids. The severity of your condition can determine which arthritis medications are right for you.These medications can work together to reduce pain and inflammation. They can also slow the progression of the condition and reduce disability.

This article discusses arthritis medications, including how they work, what forms they come in, and their side effects.

General pain relievers, or analgesics, are one of the main treatments Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source for mild-to-moderate arthritis. They do not improve inflammation, but they can help ease the pain.

A common over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Opioids are available only by prescription, and your doctor may prescribe them in extreme cases due to their addictive nature.

General pain relievers prevent damaged cells from sending pain messages to the brain. Researchers believe acetaminophen achieves this by blocking the release of prostaglandin, a chemical that transmits these messages.

Most pain relievers come in the form of:

• tablets
• capsules
• syrups or oral solutions

The side effects of general pain relievers can include:

• nausea
• headaches
• fatigue
• constipation
• insomnia

According to the Arthritis Foundation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve arthritis pain and reduce joint inflammation. They can also ease swelling and stiffness.

Some common OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Prescription NSAIDs include indomethacin (Indocin) and celecoxib (Celebrex).

NSAIDs inhibit Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme that helps make prostaglandins. Reduced prostaglandins levels mean fewer pain messages and less pain.

NSAIDs are typically available as tablets or capsules for oral intake. They may also come in the form of topical creams or gels.

NSAIDs can complement general pain relievers or replace them.

Long-term NSAID use can interfere Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source with kidney function. It can also cause:

• nausea
• upset stomach
• stomach ulcers
• headaches
• drowsiness

Learn 7 things to know about NSAIDs.

Corticosteroids have strong immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. They are the first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and many other inflammatory conditions.

Common corticosteroids include:

• cortisone
• prednisone
• dexamethasone

Corticosteroids reduce atypical immune activity. They also mimic the behavior Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone that helps your body repair tissues.

Corticosteroids are available in various forms, including:

• tablets or oral steroids
• injections into blood vessels, joints, or muscles
• inhalable mouth and nasal sprays
• lotions, gels, and creams for topical use

Corticosteroids can cause several side effects, including:

• weight gain
• muscle weakness
• cataracts
• blurred vision
• high blood pressure

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis. They can also reduce disability and help achieve remission.

Types of DMARDs include:

• leflunomide
• methotrexate
• hydroxychloroquine
• sulfasalazine

DMARDS are immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents. They can suppress overactive immune systems. They also disrupt Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source the main pathways that facilitate inflammation.

Your doctor may give you a DMARD with another DMARD for the best results.

You will typically receive a DMARD by mouth, direct injection, or intravenous infusion.

DMARDs may raise your risk of infection due to their suppressing effect on your immune system.

They may also cause:

• liver problems
• nausea
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain

Targeted DMARDS are a newer version that targets specific parts of your immune system. They focus on preserving the joints and protecting against permanent damage.

Examples of targeted DMARDs include Janus kinase inhibitors and Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors.

Targeted DMARDs inhibit specific chemicals in your immune system instead of suppressing the entire immune system. They also block precise pathways in your immune cells. This slows the processes that lead to inflammation.

You will take targeted DMARDs orally.

Side effects of targeted DMARDs can include:

• sore throat
• easy bruising
• bleeding
• fever

Biologics are a subtype of DMARDs that can slow or stop arthritis progression.

Types of biologics include:

• B-cell inhibitor: This targets B cells, a white blood cell that can contribute to inflammation.
• Interleukin inhibitors: These interrupt the inflammatory process by targeting different interleukins, which activate different parts of the immune system.
• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor: This inhibits TNF, a chemical that helps trigger inflammation.

Examples of biologics include:

• infliximab (Remicade)
• belimumab (Benlysta)
• certolizumab (Cimzia)
• anakinra (Kineret)
• canakinumab (Ilaris)
• etanercept (Enbrel)

Biologics target specific chemicals in your immune system that trigger inflammation.

You may be able to give yourself a shot containing biologics, or your doctor may administer them intravenously.

Biologics are powerful drugs that can make you more prone to infections. They can also cause other side effects, including:

• upset stomach
• headaches
• shortness of breath
• itchiness
• rashes

Learn 8 common questions about biologic treatments.

These are a few other common questions about arthritis medications. Alyssa Walton, PharmD, reviewed the answers.

The best arthritis medication for your situation depends on which type of arthritis you have and how severe it is. Some people may experience symptom relief with OTC medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Others may need prescription medications like targeted DMARDs or biologics.

All medications can cause side effects. Some arthritis medications may be safe to take for short periods, while others can cause serious side effects with long-term use. Talk with your doctor about which arthritis medications are best for your situation.

Many medications can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and even slow or stop the progression of arthritis. Some are available OTC. Others require a prescription.

Every medication has side effects. Common side effects of arthritis medications include headaches, fatigue, and an upset stomach.

Ask your doctor about which arthritis medications may be right for you.