NSAIDs: Risks include damage to the gastrointestinal tract if taken in high doses and reduction in the protective mucus of the stomach that can lead to heartburn, gastritis, ulcers and bleeding. Antacids and Carafate can neutralize or prevent the production of excess stomach acid to prevent these side effects. Other side effects include cardiovascular problems, dizziness, fluid retention and confusion, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, jaundice, seizers, and ringing in the ears. Consult your doctor and research side effects and potential risks before taking NSAIDs.
COXIBs: Although these drugs are supposed to reduce the gastrointestinal problems caused by NSAIDs, they can increase the risk of heart attack and death.
Sulfasalazine: Aching joints, fever, headache, itching, rash, nausea, increased sensitivity to skin and light, diarrhea, stomach pain and low sperm count.
Methotrexate: This medication has the potential for causing toxicity to the liver which can lead to toxicity of the bone marrow and anemia. Side effects also include oral ulcers, nausea and gastritis. It is necessary to monitor blood counts when taking the medication. The Conchrane Collaboration, an international non-profit ealthcare organization, reviewed Methotrexate for the treatment of AS and found, “There were no statistically significant benefit of Methotrexate in the examined outcomes for AS patients.” (SAA).
Corticosteroids: Risks range from thinning of the skin and bones, easy bruising, infections, diabetes and destruction of large joints (Shiel).
Biologics/TNF-Blockers: These drugs lower your ability to fight illnesses, resulting in an increased frequency of infections – especially tuberculosis (SAA). More rare risks include liver injury, blood disorders, leukemia, lymphoma and fatality. These drugs are also rather expensive.
CAM Treatments: The major side effect is no effect at all or at best a placebo effect. Some forms of CAM aids like massage therapy, yoga and dieting directly influence the physical body and can promote well-being and better health. Other forms of physical contact like chiropractic treatment can actually have detrimental effects. One of the biggest side effects of CAM treatment is relying solely on it without including conventional and non-medicinal treatment to your AS management.
Unconventional Treatment: One of the greatest risks is the unknown. Without medical research and professional background on the drug or remedy, you don’t know what to expect. Learn as much as you can about the treatment before use.
Surgery: Side effects occurring after surgery range from infection, blood clots, loosening of the prosthesis (artificial joint), dislocation of the prosthesis, wear on joint replacements, prosthetic breakage and nerve injury.
