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Getting to Know the Pain Medications for Arthritis - Acetaminophen and NSAIDs.

What do acetaminophen, and NSAIDs have in common? They are both used in pain management. They are common medications prescribed to those who suffer from arthritis pain. They each have benefits and risks associated with their use. Physicians should advise arthritis patients regarding usage, dosage cautions, side effects and health risks if any, that are associated with using each of these medications. It is also important to understand any drug interactions that may exist with other medications the patient may be currently taking or may take in the future while on medication therapy for arthritis pain.

Here is a basic run-down on each of these medications and the usual reasons why they are prescribed for pain.

Acetaminophen:

Most of us know this medication by the commonly known brand of Tylenol. It is commonly prescribed for the relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain. It is a good choice when the pain you experience is mild in nature and is just as effective as some prescription strength anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Acetaminophen is easy on your stomach and should not irritate or upset your stomach. There are some medications that combine another medication with acetaminophen, so you may find acetaminophen on the label of other medications.

It is important to tell you physician at the time the two of you are discussing pain management; any other medication you are taking that you are purchasing over-the-counter. If any of these medications also include acetaminophen and you are prescribed acetaminophen by your physician he/she will need to take in account how much acetaminophen is contained in your over-the-counter medication when deciding on dosage. The combined acetaminophen dosage otherwise may be too high. Receiving too high of a dosage of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. If a patient consumes alcohol on a regular basis or has already suffered liver damage it is even more important to be careful taking acetaminophen. Your physician should be told of any alcohol or liver history so that the correct course of pain management can be prescribed.

NSAIDs:

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications that help to relive both joint swellings and stiffness as well as to relieve pain. These are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for those suffering from arthritis. Familiar names that are NSAIDs are: Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin, and naproxen.

NSAIDs are considered to be reasonably safe by physicians, for their patients to take over a period of months or even years; they can however cause patients who use them to suffer from stomach ulcers and they may be associated with an increased risk for heart attack.

NSAIDs may have an altering effect on aspirin, which is something some patients are perscribed to take for heart health. It is important to tell your physician if you have been prescribed to take aspirin therapy for your heart health so that this information can guide him/her in deciding on the best course for your pain management.

To reduce the risk of heart attack associated with NSAID usage speak with your physician about the possibility of short-term use or of using the lowest dose possible. It may be appropriate to alternate the use of NSAID with other medications for pain.