Today I am going to tell you about one of the most basic drugs used to help with RA inflammation: NSAIDs. It is often the first drug a doctor will prescribe when you come in complaining of joint pain. I know I took a large dose of Advil, prescription strength naproxen and Celebrex before being officially diagnosed with RA. It is important to know what NSAIDs do so that you can understand their effect on your body.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation in the body. Over the counter examples would be Advil and Aleve. A prescription strength version would be Celebrex. They work to suppress enzymes called Cox-1 and Cox-2, also called cyclooxygenase. They produce a family of chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote inflammation, pain and fever, support the function of platelets (which are used in blood clotting), and protect the stomach lining from the effects of acid.
NSAIDs block Cox enzymes and reduce prostaglandins in the body thus reducing ongoing inflammation, pain and fever. But because cyclooxygenase also protects the stomach and support platelets, NSAIDs can cause ulcers and promote bleeding.
It is important to note that NSAIDs only treat the pain caused by RA inflammation and don’t treat the disease itself. I haven’t found much relief using them, but you may. I have found that prednisone works better for me when I have joint inflammation. But try them out. Just make sure to talk to your doctor if you take more than the amount prescribed on the bottle.
Until next time,
S.P.
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