Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Medications (cont.)
Jim Morelli, MS, RPh
Jim Morelli holds a B.S. from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health in Boston and an M.S. in civil engineering from Tufts University. He is registered as a pharmacist in the state of Georgia.
Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
In this Article
- Rheumatoid arthritis overview
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications list
- What are the new classes of rheumatoid arthritis medications?
- What are effective over-the-counter medications for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are effective natural medications for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of injectable medications for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are the best rheumatoid arthritis medications for pain?
- What are the side effects of rheumatoid arthritis medications?
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications special considerations: weight gain and pregnancy
- What are rheumatoid arthritis medications in development?
- What are the treatment options if rheumatoid arthritis medications are not working?
What are the new classes of rheumatoid arthritis medications?
Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) is the newest medication available for rheumatoid arthritis. Known as a JAKs inhibitor, tofacitinib works by inhibiting certain enzymes involved the inflammatory process.
What are effective over-the-counter medications for rheumatoid arthritis?
Most patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) will, at some point, use over-the-counter medications to control pain -- most commonly, acetaminophen (Tylenol). Other OTC medications which can help with RA pain and inflammation include aspirin and non-prescription versions of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). In addition, some topical pain medications may also provide relief. These ointments and creams are generally divided into three categories:
Salicylates
Salicylates are derivatives of aspirin. In topical form, they are absorbed through the skin and exert a local, anti-inflammatory (and thus pain-relieving) effect.
- Aspercreme
- BenGay
- IcyHot
- Myoflex
- Salonpas
- Theragesic
- Trolamine
Capsaicin
Capsaicin both stimulates and inhibits pain signals in the body.
- Capsazin
- Zostrix
Counter-Irritants
Counter-irritants work by creating a sensation in one location, to draw attention away from a source of pain in another.
- Mineral Ice
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