There is an array of prescription arthritis medications which health professionals can provide to help with rheumatoid arthritis. While these arthritis medications may not cure, they can bring pain relief, alleviate symptoms, and even slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve inflammation and pain. These drugs may be pressed into service as an arthritis medicine and may be obtained over the counter and as a prescription. (Most everyone is familiar with aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only down side to these arthritis medications is they can lead to stomach problems, such as indigestion and bleeding. They can also raise an individual's blood pressure and cause susceptibility to fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a class of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which do not cause as much harm to the stomach. This class of arthritis medication works by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is an issue in inflammation. However, fluid retention and elevated blood pressure are side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that individuals who use this class of drug may be at an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which may reduce pain and inflammation. They can also slow down the damage to joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few arthritis patients who take corticosteroids report they feel significantly better. However, after a time the effectiveness of corticosteroids may wear off. There is also the risk of acquiring significant side effects such as diabetes, weight gain, and decreased bone density, after long-time use of corticosteroids.

It is important to see a doctor at the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has been unable to come up with a cure for arthritis, they are making strides in pain relief and slowing down the progression rate of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants might be supplied as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. Without such treatment, the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients is out of balance and it is not controlled. TNF blockers are sometimes prescribed together with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers operate by blocking the protein which inflames the joints. Those on TNF blockers have reported that pain was diminished and stiffness alleviated.

Those diagnosed promptly with rheumatoid arthritis can be given arthritis medications known as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, if the arthritis is discovered early, much damage to the joints can be avoided.