Arthritis Drugs

Arthritis is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. There are several types of drugs that help treat the pain associated with arthritis, including acetaminophen, COX-2 inhibitors, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Arthritis drugs come in two forms: prescription and over the counter. Prescription arthritis drugs include:

• Arava®
• Bextra®
• Celebrex®
• VIOXX®

Over-the-counter arthritis drugs include ibuprofen and aspirin.

Side Effects of Arthritis Drugs

As with any class of drug, there are side effects associated with arthritis drugs. These include:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Ulcers
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Hypertension

In addition to the above side effects, there has been some evidence to suggest that Celebrex® is a dangerous drug because it is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Evidence also suggests that VIOXX® may be linked to a type of non-bacterial meningitis as well as an increased risk of heart attack.

FDA Recalls

So far, the only arthritis drug that the FDA has recalled is VIOXX®, although it is considering a petition submitted by Public Citizen regarding the prescription arthritis drug Arava®.

Consult a Pharmaceutical Litigation Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an arthritis drug, you are encouraged to contact one of the experienced arthritis drug lawyers in the LawyerShop directory for more information.