Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis Symptoms and Treatments - Ask Our Arthritis Drug Lawyers

What are arthritis drugs?

Arthritis drugs are designed to treat the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. The arthritis drug treatment used to fight arthritis symptoms includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, COX 2 inhibitors, corticosteroids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Celebrex®, and Arava® are among the drugs most commonly prescribed for arthritis treatment. Prior to being pulled from the shelves by its manufacturer, Vioxx® was one of the most frequently prescribed arthritis drugs.

What is Celebrex®?

Celebrex® is a prescription arthritis treatment that is classified as a COX 2 inhibitor, a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Celebrex® prevents inflammation by blocking the COX 2 enzymes in the body that cause it, thereby alleviating one of the most painful arthritis symptoms.

What is Vioxx®?

Vioxx® was another prescription arthritis drug classified as a Cox 2 inhibitor. Vioxx® was pulled from the shelves after studies linked it to an increased incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. Like Celebrex® and some other NSAIDs, Vioxx® worked by blocking COX 2 enzymes that cause inflammation and other arthritis symptoms.

Why was Vioxx® recalled?

Vioxx® was voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer, Merck & Co Inc., on September 30, 2004, after evidence from a three-year study of Vioxx® users linked the drug to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and other arthritis symptoms.

What should I do if I have been harmed by Vioxx®?

If you have taken Vioxx® and experienced adverse side effects, it is imperative that you see your medical provider and consult one of our national arthritis drug lawyers immediately.

What is Arava®?

Arava® is a prescription arthritis treatment that alleviates rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by inhibiting the formation of cells, which cause inflammation and pain.

What are some other arthritis drugs?

There are many different kinds of drugs that have been or still are used for arthritis treatment, including Enbrel, Remicade, Celebrex®, Vioxx®, and Rheumatrex.

What are the side effects of arthritis drugs?

Side effects of arthritis treatment include stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, liver damage, hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Refer to our side effects page for more information about additional arthritis drugs side effects.

Has the FDA issued any warnings about arthritis drugs and treatment ?

The FDA has not issued any warnings about arthritis treatment, except for Vioxx® (It issued a public health advisory about this drug). However, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has petitioned the FDA to immediately recall the prescription arthritis drug Arava®. So far, no recall has occurred.

To learn more about arthritis drugs, arthritis treatment, arthritis symptoms, and arthritis drug litigation, consult one of our national arthritis lawyers in your area.

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