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OA Medications - Dosage - Side Effects - Drug Interactions - Warnings

Information about osteoarthritis medications, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and safety warnings. Osteoarthritis medications are used to control pain and manage symptoms. Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed osteoarthritis medicines.
What Is Aleve?
Aleve is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Aleve contains naproxen as its active ingredient.
What Is Advil?
Advil tablets are recommended for headache, muscle aches, backache, and minor arthritis pain. Learn more about Advil.
Tips for Safe Use of Pain Medicine
Pain medicine is a major part of osteoarthritis treatment. Pain medicine is considered safe and effective when used as directed. It's important for you to learn and understand all you can about pain medicine.
Naproxcinod - What You Need to Know
Naproxcinod belongs to a unique class of anti-inflammatory drugs known as Cyclooxygenase-Inhibiting Nitric Oxide Donators (CINODs). Naproxcinod is the first drug of the CINOD class. Naproxcinod is being developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Tapentadol for Osteoarthritis Pain
Tapentadol immediate release tablets have been FDA approved for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain in adults 18 years and older. Tapentadol is a centrally-acting synthetic analgesic.
Why Shouldn't Prescriptions Be Shared?
Prescriptions should only be used by the person whose name appears on the bottle. If a friend or relative thinks they have arthritis too, they may want to try one of your prescriptions. Bad idea! That's a practice that goes against recommendations for the safe use of prescription medications.
"What Arthritis Meds Do You Take?"
There are so many arthritis meds from which to choose. Arthritis patients often ask one another about their medication regimens. "What arthritis meds do you take?" is a common question, but is it a fair question? Patients have individual responses to medications, so what's gained by comparing?
Do You Have a Drug List?
A drug list that is kept in a specific place that you will remember -- even during emergency situations -- is necessary for every arthritis patient who takes medications. Don't put off composing your drug list. Don't forget to keep the drug list current, too.
Topical or Oral NSAIDs - Which is Preferred?
Topical NSAIDs and oral NSAIDs are among the treatment options for arthritis patients. They are both NSAIDs, so how different could they be? Which of the two options is preferred?
Extended-Release Opioid Analgesics Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain
Extended-release opioid analgesics may be a convenient and effective treatment option for chronic osteoarthritis pain. When used appropriately, extended-release opioid analgesics can help manage osteoarthritis pain -- but be aware of possible adverse events and abuse potential with these drugs.
Acetaminophen - The Best Treatment Option for Osteoarthritis?
Acetaminophen is a popular analgesic medication used to treat osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis pain. Patients are often confused by their treatment options though. Is acetaminophen more effective than NSAIDs for osteoarthritis?
Celebrex (Celecoxib) - What You Need to Know
Celebrex, generic name celecoxib, is one of the COX-2 inhibitors (also known as a COX-2 selective NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis. Patients should follow directions for the safe use of Celebrex and should be aware of potential side effects.
Osteoarthritis Medications - What Are My Options?
Osteoarthritis medications are prescribed primarily to control pain. There are fewer osteoarthritis medications than medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Learn about osteoarthritis medication options.
NSAIDs - 10 Things You Need to Know
NSAIDs, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are among the most commonly prescribed arthritis medications. NSAIDs are used to treat inflammation and pain. It's important to follow safety warnings associated with NSAID use.
Analgesics - 10 Things You Should Know
Analgesics are medications used to relieve pain. They are commonly called painkillers. There are non-narcotic analgesics and narcotic analgesics. There are 10 things you should know about analgesics.
Mobic (Meloxicam) - What You Need to Know
Mobic, generic name meloxicam, is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should follow directions for the safe use of Mobic and should be aware of potential side effects.
Cyclooxygenase: COX-1 and COX-2 Explained
Cycoloxygenase is an enzyme that is responsible for the formation of prostanoids (i.e., prostaglandins, prostacyclin, thromboxane). There are two, if not three, known types of cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3).
What Are Salicylates? When Are They Prescribed to Treat Arthritis?
What are salicylates? When are salicylates prescribed to treat arthritis? Do salicylates carry the same cardiovascular risk as nonselective NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors?
Sun Sensitivity Can Be Side Effect of Some Medications
Photosensitivity is a skin reaction (i.e. rash) that occurs after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or an artificial light source. Photosensitivity can be caused by various agents, including drugs, perfume, cosmetics, and even the sunscreen that is meant to protect your skin. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people show some signs of photosensitivity.
10 Things You Should Know About Tylenol / Acetaminophen
Tylenol safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about Tylenol should be respected. To enhance patient safety, Tylenol / acetaminophen must be taken according to directions.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Hip Fracture
Proton pump inhibitors which are taken for acid-related diseases and also by many arthritis patients trying to reduce gastrointestinal side effects caused by NSAIDs have been linked to an increased risk of hip fracture. Proton pump inhibitors include Nexium, Protonix, Prevacid, Aciphex and Prilosec.
10 Things You Should Do When Given a New Prescription
When your doctor hands you a new prescription, it becomes your responsibility to know what the drug is for, how to take it, what side effects may occur and more. Here are 10 tips for what you should do when given a new prescription.
Are You Taking Medications You No Longer Need?
Prescription medications are commonly ordered by a doctor to treat arthritis and other chronic conditions. Patients should review their regimen of prescription medications with their doctor on a regular basis.
Review Prescription Label Directions
Prescription labels are confusing for many patients. Here are some tips to help you make sure you're using medications correctly.
Guide to Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis Medications
Doctors prescribe medications to eliminate or reduce pain and to improve function. Doctors consider a number of factors when choosing medicines for their patients with osteoarthritis.
Explore Osteoarthritis
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