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Arthritis: Anti-Inflammatory Painkiller Drugs and Arthritis
One type of arthritis pain relievers are NSAIDs - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are medicines that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Inflammation is the body's response to irritation or injury, and is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs are used to treat a variety of conditions that cause inflammation, including arthritis and tendinitis. NSAIDs also are used to treat pain from injury or other causes of long-term pain.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
These Include:
| BRAND NAME | GENERIC NAME |
| Advil, Nuprin, Motrin | ibuprofen |
| Aleve | naproxen sodium |
| Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin | aspirin |
| Orudis KT | ketoprofen |
Prescription Drugs
These include:
| BRAND NAME | GENERIC NAME |
| Anaprox | naproxen sodium |
| Bextra* | valdecoxib |
| Celebrex* | celecoxib |
| Clinoril | sulindac |
| Daypro | oxaprozin |
| Disalcid | salsalate |
| Feldene | piroxicam |
| Indocin | indomethacin |
| Lodine | etodolac |
| Mobic | meloxicam |
| Naprelan | naproxen sodium |
| Naprosyn | naproxen |
| Orudis | ketoprofen |
| Relafen | nabumetone |
| Toradol | ketorolac tromethamine |
| Vioxx* | rofecoxib |
* The COX-2 inhibitors (Bextra, Celebrex and Vioxx) are a newer form of NSAID that became available within the last several years. COX-2 inhibitors also relieve inflammation but were developed to decrease the chance of side effects that can occur with older types of NSAIDs, especially stomach bleeding. While they are generally safer in this regard, there is still some risk to the stomach with COX-2 inhibitors. The only COX-2 inhibitor currently available is Celebrex. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market due to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack and, in the case of Bextra, serious skin reactions.
While Celebrex is still on the market, it, and all other prescription NSAIDs, must carry a warning on its label that users may face an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition to the prescription drugs, manufacturers of over-the-counter NSAID painkillers were instructed by the FDA in 2005 to revise their labels to clarify information about the risks of cardiovascular incidents, gastrointestinal bleeding and rare but serious skin reactions.
How Do NSAIDs Work?
NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
Do All NSAIDs Work the Same Way?
There appears to be no fundamental difference in the ability of different NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. However, you might find that you get more relief from one NSAID over another and some NSAIDs may have fewer side effects than others. Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient for people, since they only need be taken once or twice a day.
What Are the Common Side Effects of NSAIDs?
Although NSAIDs are reasonably safe medications, it is important that you are aware of potential side effects. In 2005, the FDA asked makers of NSAIDs to revise their labels to include more specific information on risks including potential heart attack, stroke, stomach bleeding.
NSAIDs are safest when low doses are taken for brief periods. Side effects most commonly occur if you are taking large doses over a prolonged time (months or years). Some side effects are mild and go away on their own or after reducing the dose. Others may be more serious and need medical attention.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
ORENCIA® (abatacept) Important Safety Information
Indication and Usage
ORENCIA® (abatacept) is a prescription medicine that reduces signs and symptoms in adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including those who have not been helped enough by other medicines for RA. ORENCIA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
Important Safety Information About ORENCIA® (abatacept)
Before you receive treatment with ORENCIA, a lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion, you should tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:
- have any kind of infection even if it is small (such as an open cut or sore) or an infection that is in your whole body (such as the flu).
- have an infection that will not go away or a history of infections that keep coming back.
- have had tuberculosis (TB), a positive skin test for TB, or if you recently have been in close contact with someone who has had TB. If you get any of the symptoms of TB (a dry cough that doesn’t go away, weight loss, fever, night sweats), call your doctor right away. Before you start ORENCIA, your doctor may examine you for TB or perform a skin test.
- have or have had viral hepatitis. Before you use ORENCIA, your doctor may examine you for hepatitis.
- have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease (COPD).
- are scheduled to have surgery.
- are allergic to any of the following ingredients in ORENCIA: abatacept, maltose, monobasic sodium phosphate, or sodium chloride for administration.
- recently received a vaccination or are scheduled for any vaccination.
- have diabetes and use a blood glucose monitor to check your sugar levels. The infusion of ORENCIA contains maltose, a sugar that can give falsely high blood glucose readings with some monitors on the day you receive your infusion. Your doctor may tell you to use a different way to monitor your blood sugar levels.
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are thinking about becoming pregnant. It is not known if ORENCIA can harm your unborn baby.
- are breast-feeding. You will need to decide to either breast-feed or receive treatment with ORENCIA, but not both.
- take any other kinds of medicine, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- are taking other biologic medicines to treat RA such as: Enbrel® (etanercept), Humira® (adalimumab), Remicade® (infliximab), Kineret® (anakinra) or Rituxan® (rituximab). You may have a higher chance of getting a serious infection if you take ORENCIA with other biologic medicines.
Possible Side Effects of ORENCIA® (abatacept)
ORENCIA can cause serious side effects including:
- Serious infections. Patients receiving ORENCIA have a higher chance of getting infections including pneumonia, and other infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Call your doctor immediately if you feel sick or get any of the following signs of infection: fever, feel very tired, cough, feel flu-like, or warm, red or painful skin.
- Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can happen on the day of treatment or the day after receiving ORENCIA. Tell your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have hives, swollen face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, or trouble breathing.
- Cancer (malignancies). Certain kinds of cancer have been reported in patients receiving ORENCIA. It is not known if ORENCIA increases your chance of getting certain kinds of cancer.
- Vaccinations. You should not receive ORENCIA with certain types of vaccines. ORENCIA may cause some vaccinations to be less effective.
- Respiratory problems in patients with COPD. You may get certain respiratory problems more often if you receive ORENCIA and have COPD, including: worsened COPD, pneumonia, cough, or trouble breathing.
The more common side effects with ORENCIA are headache, upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and nausea.
Please read the Patient Information in the Full Prescribing Information below.
ORENCIA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
All other trademarks are property of their respective companies.
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