Arthritis isn't just 1 disease; it's a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
These 2 forms have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, yet they often share a common symptom—persistent joint pain. The joint pain of arthritis can appear as hip pain, knee pain, hand pain, or wrist pain, as well as joint pain in other areas of the body. If you have joint pain, stiffness and/or swelling for more than 2 weeks, you may have arthritis.
Arava
This medicine is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine may be used to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, slow the development of damage to the joints, and to improve physical function.
Bextra
Bextra/Valdecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods. Bextra/Valdecoxib is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Bextra works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.
Colchicine
Colchicine is a highly poisonous alkaloid, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum (Autumn crocus, also known as the "Meadow saffron"). Originally used to treat rheumatic complaints and especially gout, it was also prescribed for its cathartic and emetic effects. Its present use is mainly in the treatment of gout.
Vioxx
Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation). Vioxx is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, migraines, and menstrual pain and discomfort. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling. Vioxx may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Zyloprim
Zyloprim reduces the amount of uric acid the body makes. Too much uric acid in the blood can cause damage and produce kidney stones and gout. Zyloprim will help to prevent gout, but will not ease an acute attack. It is also used to help prevent to decrease uric acid levels that occur as a result of some sorts of chemotherapy for certain types of leukemia, lymphoma or solid tumors. Generic Zyloprim tablets are available.
