Arthritis medications aim to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. They vary based on the type and severity of arthritis. Common types include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate are prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis to slow joint damage and disease progression.

Common NSAIDs:

• Ibuprofen: Available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, ibuprofen is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Brand names include Advil and Motrin.
• Naproxen: Another OTC and prescription NSAID, naproxen, alleviates pain and inflammation. Brand names include Aleve and Naprosyn.
• Diclofenac: Available in various forms (tablets, gels, patches), diclofenac is used to treat pain and inflammation. Brand names include Voltaren and Cataflam.
• Meloxicam: Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID used to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Brand names include Mobic and Vivlodex.
• Celecoxib: This is a prescription NSAID that is more selective and is known as a COX-2 inhibitor. It is used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Brand name: Celebrex.

Common DMARDs:

• Methotrexate: Methotrexate is one of the most widely used DMARDs for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It helps suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Leflunomide: Leflunomide is another DMARD used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It helps slow down the progression of the disease by suppressing the immune response.
• Hydroxychloroquine: Hydroxychloroquine treats rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It has immunomodulatory properties.
• Sulfasalazine: Sulfasalazine is a DMARD used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Biologic DMARDs: These are a newer class of DMARDs that includes drugs like adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and others. They target specific proteins involved in the immune response and are used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Biologic response modifiers target the immune system to manage inflammatory conditions. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are potent anti-inflammatory medications that doctors may prescribe for short-term relief during arthritis flare-ups. Pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage mild arthritis pain, while stronger opioids may be prescribed for severe cases.

Visit the Joint Health landing page to learn more about joint pain prevention.