What is a NSAID?
Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are pain relievers that also have some action against inflammation. Common examples of NSAID medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. What are corticosteroids? Corticosteroids such as prednisone are commonly used in small doses in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Steroids reduce swelling and inflammation and have been shown to slow joint damage. Steroids should not be stopped abruptly. A doctor must advise on slowly reducing the dosage. There are many side effects associated with the use of steroids. “Side effects include weight gain and a tendency toward osteoporosis,” says Sara Walker, M.D., professor, MU School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Columbia, and Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center co-investigator. It is important to note that corticosteroids are not used to treat the common form of wear-and-tear arthritis, known as osteoarthritis. What are DMARDs? Often, disease-modifying anti
