Choosing any arthritis medication can be difficult. There are so many medications on the market and such a dire need 
for pain relief that it can seem like a crap shoot just trying any one of them. It is important to understand the specific causes of osteoarthritis in order to effectively consider the osteoarthritis medications available. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage between the bones degenerates. Many affected bones enlarge marginally. Unlike many other types of arthritis, this type is not marked by the inflammation of the bones. This is an important fact when choosing an osteoarthritis medication.
Analgesics
Analgesics are painkillers that are available primarily over the counter and are commonly used as osteoarthritis medication. They are milder on the stomach since they do not contain the ingredients common in NSAIDs used to treat other forms of arthritis. Common brands include Tylenol and Advil. Common analgesics are presented as alternatives to aspirin due to the stomach issues that can result from prolonged use of aspirin.
Codeine Preparations
Arthritis cases of acute or severe pain may be prescribed osteoarthritis medication in which codeine is a major ingredient. Although this type of medicine provides quick and effective pain relief, there are some unpleasant side-effects and it should not be used for long periods of time. Codeine preparations are usually prescribed as an osteoarthritis medication when the sufferer is not able to relieve the pain by using analgesics. These medications must be prescribed by a doctor and frequent consultation should take place in order to monitor the effectiveness as well as the side effects. Many patients suffer withdrawal symptoms once this osteoarthritis medication is replaced or discontinued.
Some people attempt to self-medicate using natural remedies. Although seeking alternative treatment is recommended in any arthritis condition, it is important to discuss and disclose any medication to your physician. All drugs contain some natural ingredients and there is always a possibility of harmful interactions with any osteoarthritis medication taken. Arthritis patients should also be sure to follow doctor’s instructions as well as monitoring the time in between initiating osteoarthritis medications. Most drugs take a while to leave the body’s system and could harmfully interact even if there has been some time since the previous medication was ingested.
Of course, the most important factor of any osteoarthritis medication is how effectively it relieves the pain. The patient should pay close attention to the results of taking an osteoarthritis medication. Not only should it provide pain relief, but daily activity should be increased or at least less difficult. If the medication does not improve your quality of life, you and your doctor need to discuss alternatives.
