All medications can have side effects. Hence, arthritis medicines are no exception. But the intensity of side effects of these medicines depends upon the dose of medicines and duration of treatment. The arthritis medicines can show side effects depending upon their category and their use. Some of the common side effects of different medicines used in arthritis treatment are as follows:
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Edema, heartburn, stomach ulcers, stomach upset and sometimes increased risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids used in arthritis treatment can cause adverse effects such as cataracts, elevated blood sugar levels and blood fats, bone loss and increased appetite.
- Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Stomach upset and elevated vulnerability to infection are the common side effects caused by DMARDs.
- Biologic Agents: Biologic agents used in the treatment of arthritis generally show side effects such as reactions at the injection site, that include swelling and redness; infusion reactions as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, nausea, rapid or weak pulse; and increased risk of serious infections.
The above-mentioned medicines are highly beneficial for arthritis patients; however, their side effects cannot be ignored. Thus, you must talk to your doctor regarding ways to reduce these side effects, such as adjusting the timing or dosage of medication, administering it with food or taking other medicines to counteract the side effects. The advice of your doctor can help you prevent a number of these side effects. Thus you will be able to use the medicines to get its best possible effects without worrying about the side effects linked to them.
