Medicinal Treatments
Some medications have mild to serious side effects. You should consult with your rheumatologist before taking any over-the-counter and prescription drugs. EraseAS.com provides links to several reputable drug information Web sites for each type of medicinal treatment. We believe that multiple sources are necessary to create a full, un-biased picture of the pros and cons of each medication. Please check our side effects section for more information about medicinal treatments.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID): These are the first step in treatment and are the most commonly used class of medication (SAA). NSAIDs help reduce pain and stiffness of the joints associated with AS - they do not change the course of the disease. Some generic forms of the medication can be bought over-the-counter like Ibuprofin while others are through prescription. NSAIDs are generally taken orally and can take several weeks to show results.
A newer category of NSAIDs, called COXIBs, are supposed to reduce the potential of gastrointestinal complications connected to NSAID treatment. The two major drugs - Vioxx and Bextra - were pulled off the market after patients experienced serious side effects ranging from heart attacks to death.
It is imperative you research a medication beforehand and consult your doctor about risks. Taking other medications in addition to a new drug may result in a negative reaction. Medical history, allergies, age and habits can deeply influence a drug's results and side effects.
Commonly used NSAIDs: Each medication is prescribed to relieve pain, tenderness, inflammation and stiffness associated with arthritis. All forms are taken orally in either tablet or liquid form. Links lead to Drugs.com and Medlineplus.gov for descriptions, uses, side effects and precautions.
- Anti-Rheumatic Drugs: If symptoms are unresponsive to NSAIDs, this form of medication is the second wave in combating inflammation associated with AS. Pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joints other than the spine may not respond to NSAIDs, so these drugs are used in addition to suppress the body’s immune system and relieve inflammation beyond the lower back.
According to Dr. William Shiel, medical author of MedicineNet.com and rheumatologist, research shows that Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate are ineffective when used for spinal conditions that don’t respond to anti-inflammatory medications. As always, discuss with your doctor first the pros and cons of anti-rheumatic drugs and make a personal decision if this treatment is right for you.
- Common forms of Anti-Rheumatic Drugs: Links lead to Drugs.com and Medlineplus.gov for descriptions, uses, side effects and precautions.
- Biologics/TNF Inhibitors: Technically this is the third wave of medications if the other anti-inflammatory treatments do not work. This biologic medicine attacks a messenger protein for inflammation called TNF (Shiel). So far this class of medication has been effective in halting disease progression, decreasing inflammation and even increasing mobility. All three medications are injectable.
TNF Inhibitors basically block a substance called TNF that your body overproduces when you have an immune disease like AS. This class of medication lowers TNF to a normal level, but also lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections.
Commonly used Biologic/TNF Inhibitors: Links lead to company information sites and Medlineplus.gov.
Intro |
Non-Medicinal Treatments
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