Before you fill a prescription or pop a single pill, be sure to use this drug lookup to do some research first. You'll find essential information about arthritis medications, including generic and brand names, common dosages, special instructions, possible side effects, interactions and important cautions.
Click on the type of drug here for a detailed chart filled with information:
Sjögren's Syndrome Medications
linda j 27 Oct 2009, 18:34 |
| I have been diagnosed with accute RA, Fibro and osteoAR. I have been on prednisone 4 mg bid since 04/09. It was like a miracle drug for me. I was actually able to hold a spoon a mug of coffee with only one hand. I have recently gone thru a divorce and I think the stress has caused a really bad flareup. My Rheumatologist has just prescribed methotrexate. After reading the internet blogs, the patient blogs and the medical info brochure... I am scared to death! I am only 57 yrs old, active and am afraid to take a drug used to also treat cancer patients? Please send any advise. I am looking into antibiotic alternatives and will let you know about that. |
Natural 16 Oct 2009, 09:11 |
| I have been on every drug in the book for RA. I have never been given antibiotics. I will certainely ask my doctor. I haven't had the pleasure of being pain free since being diagnoised with RA in 1997. I have had 2 knee replacements. 2 being twice on both knees. Big mistake because the pain and swelling are more intense. I currently take prednisone 10 mg BID, Sulfasalizine BID, plaqenil, Methotrexate, Remicade Infusion. I am taking myself off the Methotrexate because I am losing my hair. Also I am on the cancer drug Imuran. I'm sorry I only have a temporary fix with the Remicade I get every 8 weeks. I was in the middle of a career in entertainment and it hit me. My mother suffered with it for 20 years and because of several combination of medications, they destroyed her liver. Going by statistics that RA usually affect the youngest and oldest, which neither I am, but when I was told I had it, I went into depression and some times now feel I still am. I recently had surgery to repair my right wrist. Now my left ankle and foot is bothering me. It stayed swollen for months. I got a cortison injection and it went down but my weight went up. I've been dealing with my weight for years because of the Prednisone and the steroid injections. I am happy that I came to this site because I have learned a lot from the comments here and will continue to read and give my testimony. Anyone wishing to share can send me an email personally at bettyeb@clayton.k12.ga.us I am getting married next year and need to lose 35 pounds. I will make sure to stay heart healthy. These insurance companies are terrible with paying bills, yet I continue to move forward with faith that one day I will be pain free before I leave this earth. Dreaming...Right? Take care! |
Leslie 22 Sep 2009, 12:31 |
| Hi I'm 29 and diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis. My sed rate and CPR were very high and I was sent to a Rheumatologist who prescribed Indomethacin and Plaquenil.I've been on those meds for over a month now and I don't see a difference. I still feel a lot of pain in my feet (heels) and I got the sausage toes. I had an MRI done because my neck was getting stiff and had lower back pain. Those results came back saying I have bulging disks in my neck and back. Does any one have any advice? |
Pam 09 Sep 2009, 13:37 |
| Janet--I had gastric bypass surgery so medication for me is tricky. I
either have to take Tylenol (which is not that strong of course) or a
narcodic (not productive at work nor do I wish to become addicted). I am
having success with Tramadol HCL. 50 mg will take enough of the edge off
to allow me to function at work, drive, etc and 100 mg will take my pain
away but will make me tired. Might ask your doctor his/her opinion of
Tramadol. Pam |
Julie 07 Sep 2009, 12:28 |
| I am 37 yrs old and recently had a child in December 2008 by February of 2009 I started swelling in my hands and feet. Tests have been run many times to try to figure out what was the problem. All tests come back with signs of RA then I was sent to a rheumatolagist for more tests. I was given Prednisone 5mg taking 1 tablet a day, Methotrexate 2.5mg once a week 8 tablets 4 in the morning 4 in the evenings. The doctor is trying to take me completely off of the prednisone. But then she seems to think that I need to go to the next level by taken other medications with injections like embrel,etc... I really do not want to do more injections since I have been a diabetic since I was 12. I am on an insulin pump for that these sticks are bad enough I dont need more...Can anyone help or give me any suggestions on this please ?????????? |
jesse swann 20 Aug 2009, 22:07 |
| this message is for tish if your reading any of these postings im very interested in what you have to say my husband just got diagnosed with RA a couple months ago and they wanted to put him on methotrexate he is 29 years old and in pain everyday i want to help him in any way i can i dont want him to take this medication do you think the minocin will help him. |
greg klinker 20 Jul 2009, 20:24 |
| I have had type 2 diabetes for the last 6 years. I am taking metformin [1000mg daily]actos [45 mg daily] simvastatin [20 mg daily]. Recently diagnosed with arthrirtis. What prescription/over the dounter meds can and should I take. aleve works well but according to the label 10 days max. What is best? |
janet 17 Jul 2009, 15:32 |
| I have just been diagnosed with moderate osteo arthritis in the knee and i am difficulty coping with the pain, i take co-codamol and ibrufen, any suggestions please fo alternative pain relief. |
Yazmin 15 Jul 2009, 20:00 |
| I'm 29 years old and was recently diagnosed with RA. RA factor came back
at 1000....extremely high. Doc prescribed Methotrexate and
Prednisone....he told me about harmful side effects to liver, lungs and
kidneys. Is there any other medications which I can take...that are not as
harmful on organs??? Maybe something natural? Please help |
Yazmin 15 Jul 2009, 19:56 |
| I'm 29 years old and was recently diagnosed with RA. RA factor came at 1000...extremely high. Doc placed me on Methotrexate and Prednisone....side effects seem very harmful. Is there any other medication that I can take, that is not is not as harmful??? Maybe something natural instead? Help |
Marie 13 Jul 2009, 13:29 |
| I have Fibro & OA. I tried everything on both subjects, and nothing seem to work. My doc put me on Armix and so far so good. I was Savella for a week and started to get bad stomach pains. I am taking Lyricia, Cymbalta, flexeril, Skeletain. Nothing seem to help me except Marijuana. It helps my muscles to relax, and I feel comfort with it. It lift me up, where I can do my chores, like vacuming not so painful. Alot, people do not understand this is a natural drug, and helps alot of people with all kind of chronic pain..They use it for cancer patients. Why not Fibro Patient? |
vickie 07 Jul 2009, 09:38 |
| ok i had a stint put in for my heart in january sence then my right leg has bothered me bad at times and some times my left now i have to go to another doctor this doctor is saying i may need a stent in my leg meanwhile my doctor has given metramadolfor my other aches and pains i know i have arthritis but is this a good drug and does any one know why all of a suddenly mylegs are aching he said poor circulation butwhy they didnt before thanks vickie |
Kamary 25 Jun 2009, 09:58 |
| I am a 25 y/o and very active. I have apparently had RA for years and was finally diagnosed in early 2009. Multiple procedures done for years; trigger finger surgeries, cortisone shots in fingers. I started mtx, plaquenil, clinoril, remicade infusions, and predisone. The dr. tells me i am atypical due to the severe affects on my lungs, pleurisy. Still no pain relief. Just trying to figure out a baseline at this point. |
Joyce Lancaster 23 Jun 2009, 21:09 |
| I Have Cerebral Palsy and take Naproxen it's good you print the side effects Some Dr's over prescribe meds. |
Debbie 21 Jun 2009, 18:29 |
| I too am interested in the supplement that Carla is talking about, but seems to be omited from her 5/9 post. Could you please let me know what it is. Anything is worth a look at when it comes to RA. |
tammy 17 Jun 2009, 15:18 |
| I have been dianosed with arthritis about 4 years ago and DRS. said I had rhemotoid but since then been ruled out, when I first started having symtoms I was having pain everywhere , DRS. put me on prednizone and plaqunil the medicine has helped me get back to my life but still dont know what kind of arthritis I have test after test.Does anyone else have this problem? |
Catheirne 13 Jun 2009, 13:49 |
| Has anyone had an experiences with Simponi or know where I could find some patient reviews? |
Lois Ciaburri 11 Jun 2009, 19:54 |
| Can anyone tell me if they have taken rituxin and what there experience was with it and also arava i have read about people who have taken it losing hair and teeth and internal bleeding can anyone tell me about this |
Lynn Olive 06 Jun 2009, 14:48 |
| I was diagnosed with RA in 86. I am now almost 62. I was on a pill form of gold for 10 years before I went out of remission. Since then I have been taking plaqunel. I am now experiencing pain and swelling in the balls of my feet and my first finger joints. I also have a new Rheumagologist. He suggests methotrexate. I also have congestive heart valve, my second mitral replacement was 9 years ago, and a pacemaker/defibrillator. Too top that off I was diagnosed with Celiac disease two years ago. The side affects of the methotrexate scare the heck out of me. I am trying to see what other options I may have. |
Linnell Naughton 01 Jun 2009, 18:38 |
| why doesn't carla say which..natural supplement helped her so much.It may help others, can she share please? |
Robert 26 May 2009, 15:43 |
| Hey.........I'm 79 and have been the Naid route, then Hydrocodone and now Oxycodone but, 4 - 5 times a day and the side effects!!!! I'm gonna look into the antibiotic route. Thanx ever so much for that testimony. |
Tish 19 May 2009, 09:52 |
| I am very disappointed that this magazine totally ignores the antibiotic approach to treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted over the past four decades with results published in well recognized medical journals showing on the average a 75% very good response to Minocin and to Doxycycline. When I was diagnosed in the fall of 2006, the first three months were spent trying to treat with NSAIDS, which were of absolutely no value. Then, after having done intense online research, after reading dozens of journal articles and a few books on the topic, I asked my Rheumatologist to put me on Minocin. He did...100mg once a day. Within 3 weeks the effects were noticeable. Within 2 months my flares had totally stopped. Within 6 months any evidence of the disease had disappeared. I stayed on Minocin for 6 months, then switched to Doxycycline, using a generic tablet, 100mg once a day. For the next 12 months I was totally symptom free, I had reduced the dosage to three times per week. Then I changed pharmacies and received a different generic brand. After three months, flares started up. Things went spiraling downwards. I finally realized that possibly it was the generic brand change that caused the problem. I was almost ready for a wheelchair...my hands became paws, getting up out of a chair was a tremendous feat of accomplishment. Went back to the original brand, (that was December 2008) and now (May 2009) am again virtually symptom free. (Dosage was upped to 100 mg 2xday). I can turn the key in the ignition with no problem, I only have one finger that is stiff (probably permanently so). The antibiotic treatment will work for many people (I personally know someone who went from a wheelchair to a relatively normal life using minocin, was on it 12 years, has been drug free for the past three years, and is still in complete remission of the disease). This magazine is paid for by the drug companies who do not want you to know that a $15 a month prescription could well do better than your expensive biologic treatments. For that reason, I am cancelling my subscription to this magazine. They do not cover ALL treatments equally!! I encourage them to contact me and my doctor if they have any questions. |
Deb 10 May 2009, 12:14 |
| to Carla regarding her 5/9 post. That is the natural supplement you are on? My dad is 81 and suffering! Thanks! |
carla 09 May 2009, 20:06 |
| I have had RA for over 25 yrs. I have been on every drug available. Some
worked well, others never worked. I was on Prednisone for 18 yrs and
methotrexate for 14 yrs and still didn't feel great. I was finally able to
get off of these 2 drugs as well as acid reflux med and HRT med with a
natural supplement. That was 4 years ago. I got something from this
supplement that NO drug every gave me, HOPE. I feel so blessed to have
found a product that builds up my immune system and reduced the
inflammation in my body. That is just the beginning. Don't discount the great alternative supplements available today. They can really change your life. |
Tyna 22 Apr 2009, 05:50 |
| In the past been told I have arthritis in my spinal column and numerous
other places. I also don't know of to many places that don't have bone
spurs. Vioxx "for me" was the most wonderful drug that was made. I could
take one and sunshine. But as you all know this is no more. I've been given
several of the drugs mentioned in the comments above and just went to a
rheumatologist. He started me on 5mg of prednisone 2x a day that was 2
weeks ago. Seems to be working, swelling going down. Oh I should mention
going to ortho for treatment previous. I went in one time my hand was
swelled around the knuckles about 5x the size it should be and pain. X-ray,
MRI and no answer. Anyway I see my med report areas that are diagnosed with
osteoarthritis but he's going to treat me for rheumatoid. Now he wants me
to take the "malaria drug" can't remember the name either. Said it will
take 3 months to actually work. For only 2 more weeks will he give me
prednisone and cut it to 5mg 1x a day for a week then 2 1/2mg for a week.
I've never heard of the antibiotic mentioned above but will definately give
him a call in regards to it. All the side effects including nausea,
vomiting, eye problems, the side-effects sound worse than the problem. I
also have COPD, factory work all your life can do that, so some of the
medications I can't take either. Any more info out there on anyone that has
taken the "malaria drug"? I realize not all will be the but did it actually
work at all for anyone. Also I'm told I can't be on the prednisone for to
long to many side-effects. Take Care. |
Mary Ann Snow 21 Apr 2009, 14:23 |
| When I was first diagnosed in 1996 I was put on Naprosan. My body didn't respond well, then I got in to a Rheumatologist and he put me on Plaquenil. This did wonders for the inflamation - nothing for the pain. When I told my Dr that when I took antibiotics for sinus infections I felt great, he doubted me. I then found Dr Browns book as well as an article from Tufts Univ advocating the use of minocycline. I was on it for over 2 yrs and did wonderfully. Until my Dr decided I didn't need to take the antibiotics anymore. He put me on Prednisone for 2 yrs, I gained 60 lbs, and went back to the pain. Needless to say - I've since found a new Dr. |
edie elliott 21 Apr 2009, 11:50 |
| My 17yr old son was recently dx with enthesitis related arthrits. was on prednisone,but weaned off. now using methotrexate and enbrel shots-doing very well. his symptoms started with toe and heal pain-was diagnosed by a rheumatologist, after foot x-rays and a bone scan. Any other sufferers of enthesitis?? |
sue 21 Apr 2009, 07:41 |
| I've been diagnosed with RA - majority of discomfort in heels... is this RA or somethning else? medication isn't working for heel pain... not sure what to expect with RA... |
Paula J. Kintzel 31 Mar 2009, 01:22 |
| I was on mxt, it was reduced due to my lab. Then i became short of breath, ankles swelled up and heart rate stayed above 130 for about 3 months. I was taken off mxt. i was diagnosed with asthma, and saw a cardiologist. The symtoms went away on their own after the 3 months. I am still not on anything but meloxicam for my RA and having small flairs. Not sure where to go from here re: meds. |
Susan Butler 30 Mar 2009, 10:20 |
| OOPS!! Forgot some inportant details in my first post. I was diagnosed with RA over 20 years ago. Started out on Voltaren, then was prescribed the "malaria drug" - can't remember name, sorry. Took them for years. Then went to Arava - hair fell out, liver enzymes when up, severe diarreha for over a year (10-12 tiimes a day). At that point was taken off Arava and began drugs in first post. Hair has never come back like it was - very disappointed about that - I know that's silly. Anyway - more info I should have put in first post. Sorry. |
Susan Butler 30 Mar 2009, 10:14 |
| I have been taking Enbrel Injections, Methotrexate, and Prednisone for quite some time. My bruising mainly on my arms and hands has been horrific. I am 60 years old and realize age has much to do with a lot of things, including my aging skin. Was taken off Prednisone gradually late 2008. Scratches remained and were not healing. I play with my dogs and do some yard work. I was prescribed antibiotics and taken off all the rest of my medication for 6 weeks now. Sed rate has gone sky high and sores are healing but not quickly. What are the chances of the bruising coming back once I am back on Enbrel and Methotrexate? Dr. L. seems to think it was all from the Pred. but since I am off everything now and have no significant easy bruising, I'm not sure. |
Nell 30 Mar 2009, 09:57 |
| I am surprised that you have no information on antibiotics, particularily Minocin, which has been very successful in treating RA, with very few side effects. For anyone interested, read "The New Arthritis Breakthrough" by Henry Scammel which highlights the work of Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown who was a pioneer in antiobiotic therapy for RA. |
khyati 24 Mar 2009, 04:16 |
| My grand mother is having a sever knee pain and its not reducing after taking so many drugs.before 3months she had a knee trasplantation operation..but still pain is as it was..can you give drug guide?thank you |
Erma 19 Mar 2009, 08:26 |
| My 73 year old father has rheumatoid arthritis, severe. He's tried methotrexate/humira/prednisone but to no avail. He is being treated at his local VA hospital. Right now, he can hardly walk. The doctor gave him gengraf, 100 mg, twice a day and then one 25mg once a day. Is this more dangerous because of the side effects? Thank you. |
lee Reid 15 Mar 2009, 12:04 |
| My wife has shoulder pain, it has affected her sleep significately. She
was using 80mg Geodon but it has become so expensive to use. We are looking for an alternative form of this drug that we can afford. Lee Reid |
Warm water swimming at a local high school $2 a day three times a week has been a Godsend.But not during this... Anyone have any suggestions ?