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The Side Effects of Arthritis Drugs |
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All prescription drugs have potential side effects. The more prevalent the disease or condition, the more drugs and more side effects a patient will inevitably encounter. Today we will talk about medications that are used to treat one of the most common conditions in the UK—Arthritis.
According to a recent report, nine million people in the UK seek treatment for some form of arthritis. That is over fifteen percent of the population! One explanation for its prevalence is that there are over one hundred different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
As you might expect arthritis drugs are some of the most popular pills on market today. The side effects of these medications range from mild to quite serious. The following is a partial list of the most common side effects.
For anti-inflammatory drugs, patients report heartburn, stomach aches, ulcers, and edema (swelling of the feet). Many of these medications also list a slight increase in the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Drugs called Cortiocosteroids may raise the blood sugar, increase the appetite and increase the risk of cataracts. While disease-modifying anti- rheumatic drugs may increase the risk of infection and upset the stomach.
Again, the risk of these side effects is often quite low, but you should discuss with your doctor before you swallow anything. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact him immediately and ask to be taken off the drug. |
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