Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis Medications.

Last updated Friday, January 07, 2005

Do's and don'ts

What are some general tips for people taking medication for arthritis?

Do's:

1. Know these facts about every drug you take:

• WHAT: Know the generic and brand names of your medications. Know the common side effects.
• WHY: Know why you are taking the drug and what it can do for you.
• HOW:Know how to take the drug correctly.

1. Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Never change the dosage on your own.

2. Find out if you should take your medicines with food. Many arthritis medications, especially NSAIDs, irritate the stomach lining. Taking the drug with food can help to avoid this problem. Use the "sandwich technique": Eat a little food. Take your medication. Eat a little more food.

3. Keep each medication in a labeled container.

4. Give your medications time to work. Find out from your doctor how long each drug will take to show results. Some of the best drugs start to work slowly.

5. Keep your medications away from children by storing the drugs in a dry, locked cabinet or drawer, if necessary. Ask your pharmacist for regular containers if you have trouble removing child-proof caps.

6. Always bring a list of your medications with you to medical appointments. Have it near the telephone if you call the doctor about your condition.

7. Report possible side effects or unusual reactions. These often include rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

8. Always tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking. This includes OTC medications or drugs prescribed by another doctor. This is important because of harmful interactions between drugs.

9. Be honest with your doctor. If you have not been taking your medication as prescribed, tell the truth. Otherwise, the doctor might make changes in your treatment that could be harmful, expensive, and/or unnecessary.

10. Get your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy so that your pharmacist can watch for duplications and potential interactions. Ask the pharmacist for advice on how to save money and get the most out of medicines.

Don'ts:

1. Don't stop taking your medicine. Call your doctor first.

2. Don't use someone else's medication or let them use yours. What is right for one person may be dangerous for another.

3. Don't drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy from your medicine.

4. Don't mix medications in one container. Storing more than one medication together could lead to harmful chemical interactions of the drugs. Also, you could take the wrong drug accidentally.

5. Don't let your medicines run out. Monitor your supply. Stopping your medication could cause your disease to flare (become worse).

6. Don't take old medication. Outdated medicine may not be as effective-it might even be dangerous.

7. Don't expect your medications to make you feel better right away. It may take days, weeks, or even months before you notice a difference in the way you feel.

8. Don't change your medication dose on your own. If one tablet is good for you, two are not necessarily better and may even be dangerous. Ask your doctor if and when you can add or delete doses on your own.

9. Don't expect medication alone to do the job. Medication is generally only a part of a complete treatment program prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the form of arthritis you have, other therapies may include rest, exercise, tips for using your joints wisely, weight control, and continued medical follow-up.

10. Don't drink alcohol while taking your medications.

11. Never give your medications to others, and never take medicine prescribed for someone else. Although you both may have the same type of arthritis, a drug that works for another person may not help you. It's possible that the drug you take may be harmful to someone else. Each person should see a doctor for a specific treatment.

How should arthritis medications be stored?

1. Check the label or ask the pharmacist for storing instructions.

2. Don't transfer medicines from one container to another. You may confuse dosage information and may forget which drug you are taking.

3. Don't keep prescription medications or OTC drugs beyond their expiration dates. Dispose of old medications by flushing them down the toilet so they can't be found by children.

4. Don't store medicines in a humid area of the home or where there is excessive heat or cold.

Credits

Some of this material may also be available in an Arthritis Foundation brochure. Contact the Washington/Alaska Chapter Helpline: (800) 542-0295. If dialing from outside of WA and AK, contact the National Helpline: (800) 283-7800.

Adapted from a pamphlet originally prepared for the Arthritis Foundation. This material is protected by copyright.

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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