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.
I decided to talk about another biologic today, interleukin-1 antagonist. Now, I’ve never taken this type of medication, nor know anyone who has, so I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with this type of biologic. The current interleukin-1 antagonist availble is Anakinra (Kineret), but more are in development. Interleukin-1 antagonist is taken intravenously and works by blocking an important immune factor called interleukin-1.
Similar to TNF modifiers, Kineret has shown good results when used in combination with methotrexate and other DMARDs.
The main side effects of Kineret include adverse injection-site reactions and leucopenia, a reduced white blood cell count. As with taking other biologics, taking Kineret can reduce your ability to fight infection (About.com).
Similar to TNF modifiers, Kineret is an expensive drug. It is unfortunate that biologics cost so much because it puts them out of reach for many people who might be able to benefit from taking them. I just hope this isn’t a problem for you.
Until next time,
S.P.
* ALSO: As I explained in my ABOUT page, I started this blog for a grad school class. Now the time has come for my final project for the class, and I need to learn more about my readers, get advice for improving my blog, etc. So please help!!! Only 10 questions, and I’d really appreciate any input you can give.
Click here to take survey THANKS!!!!!
As I explained in my ABOUT page, I started this blog for a grad school class. Now the time has come for my final project for the class, and I need to learn more about my readers, get advice for improving my blog, etc. So please help!!! Only 10 questions, and I’d really appreciate any input you can give.
Click here to take survey
Thanks,
S.P.
