Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis Medications.

Side effects

How can a person with arthritis minimize side effects from arthritis medications?

All drugs, whether bought with a prescription or over-the-counter, have side effects. These can be due to an allergic reaction or to an unusual susceptibility to a particular effect of the drug.

Here are some general steps you can take to reduce side effects:

1. Take your medicine as prescribed. Follow your doctor's advice about how much and when to take your medicine. If you're having problems with the drug, call your doctor. He or she may be able to change your dosage schedule or the type of drug to better suit your needs. Some drug labels warn: "Do not take on an empty stomach," or "Do not take with food." Take these warnings seriously. It is necessary to take some drugs with food to reduce stomach upset, and it is important that NSAIDs be taken with meals. However, spicy and acidic foods may cause additional stomach upset, and food in the stomach and intestines can make a drug such as penicillamine less effective. Food can also slow down or speed up the medicine's effect on the body. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether or not to take your medicine with food.
2. Be careful of drinking alcohol, which can increase or decrease a drug's effects. If the medication causes stomach upset, adding alcohol can increase the discomfort. It may be best to reduce your alcohol intake or to stop altogether.
3. Monitor yourself. Know what benefits to expect and when they are likely to occur. Find out the side effects of your drugs and what to do if they occur. Be aware of how your body is reacting to the drug.

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