OTC (Over the Counter) Medications

MEDICATIONS& OTCS

(OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDS)

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) arthritis pain medications for arthritis arthritis pain sufferers that can be purchased without physicians’ prescriptions. Some are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – some are OTCs / some require a prescription. Users need to be aware of possible risk from long term use or product abuse, though, and consult their medical advisors before and during use.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Acetaminophen

Of the drugs in our list of arthritis pain relievers, acetaminophen is widely accepted as the OTC with the least amount of undesirable side effects and the lowest long-term costs. However, acetaminophen does nothing to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis pain, normally can only treat mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis and can easily become toxic if mixed with alcohol.

Arthritis Pain Relief: NSAIDs

NSAIDs help sufferers with both arthritis pain and inflammation and are quite inexpensive (like acetaminophen). However, long term usage has been shown to cause upset stomach and other, more serious side effects (such as skin rashes or speeding up the progression of osteoarthritis by interfering with cartilage repair and promoting cartilage destruction).

97 percent of orthopedic surgeons surveyed believe OTCs can be an effective alternative to prescription medication to treat minor arthritis pain

58 percent say they prefer Aleve
35 percent say they prefer Advil
7 percent say they prefer Tylenol

From a 2005 study conducted by Caravan Opinion Research June 16 - July 7, 2005, from a sample of 259 orthopedic surgeons.

The most common OTC NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. However, the misuse of some of these can cause blockage of an enzyme in the body that aids in the protection of the stomach lining and other areas. Misuse can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding, and liver and kidney trouble. (The same drug abuse issues can result from prescription NSAIDs, too). Used the right way, these drugs can help with arthritis pain relief, inflammation and fever reduction, and blood clot prevention.

Acetaminophen is the name of the active ingredient found in several well-known brand-name products; some Excedrin® products, Tylenol®, and Aspirin Free Anacin®. Although it does not help with arthritic inflammation and swelling, it can help with arthritis pain relief in mild cases. Use caution with dosages, however. Excess usage poses risk of liver damage, even death, especially for active drinkers (of alcoholic beverages).

Some of our products for Arthritis ....