Sobeys Pharmacy Menu Treating Arthritis There are many different types of medication available to treat arthritis. The following list describes the benefits and side effects of different types of medication available. Acetaminophen can relieve mild pain. In lower doses, it is available without a prescription. Higher doses combined with codeine require a prescription but provide stronger pain relief. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)—which include ASA, ibuprofen, and naproxen—are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths. In addition to reducing pain, they relieve joint swelling and stiffness. Topical pain relievers are applied to the skin and provide quick relief. They are most effective for people who have pain in only a few joints. Narcotics provide strong pain relief, but they can cause significant side effects. Corticosteroids (sometimes just called “steroids”) are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Used short-term, they rapidly ease swelling, inflammation, and pain; however, when taken long-term, they can increase a person’s risk of infection, increase blood sugar levels, and cause bone thinning. DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Not only do they relieve pain, they can help prevent further joint damage as well. Biologics (also known as biological response modifiers) are generally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis when DMARDs don’t provide relief. They can slow the progression of the disease in just a few weeks, but they may cause flare-ups of other chronic diseases. Your Sobeys Pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions you have about arthritis treatments. Menu Menu Cookie collection and updated privacy commitment We have updated our privacy commitment and are now collecting cookies to provide you with ads tailored to your interest across the internet. For more information about cookies and how to disable cookies, visit our privacy commitment. Learn more Close Compliments Products AIR MILES® Contact Us Privacy Terms of Use Drug Recalls