What Are the 10 Most Commonly Prescribed Arthritis Drugs?
Updated June 30, 2014.
Arthritis drugs are used by most arthritis patients as part of their treatment plan. Patient response to arthritis drugs can vary, so it's impossible to say ahead of time which drug will be most effective for an individual patient.
What arthritis drugs are most often prescribed by rheumatologists? Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, Rheumatology News published the results that show the top 10 drugs prescribed by rheumatologists:
Arthritis drugs fall into 5 different classifications:
Learn more about each of the most commonly prescribed arthritis drugs.
Methotrexate and Folic Acid
Updated June 30, 2014.
Methotrexate is a non-biologic DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) used to treat certain types of arthritis and rheumatic conditions. Methotrexate is classified as a DMARD because it decreases pain and swelling associated with arthritis, and also, methotrexate can lessen joint damage and lower the risk of long-term disability. Improvement from methotrexate may be seen at 6 weeks but it may take 12 weeks or even 6 months of treatment for full benefit to be realized.
While the drug is effective for many arthritis patients, there are warnings to ensure safe use of the drug. For example, since methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist, it must be replenished by taking a 1 mg folic acid supplement daily. Folic acid supplementation should also minimize side effects associated with taking methotrexate.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 8.5% of the prescriptions were for methotrexate -- making it the most popular arthritis drug prescribed -- and 5.8% were written for folic acid, making it the third most common prescription for arthritis.
Prednisone
Updated June 30, 2014.
Prednisone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis and other conditions. Prednisone is classified as a corticosteroid. Synthetic corticosteroids, like prednisone, are designed to mimic cortisol action in body. Cortisol is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. Prednisone is available in tablet form, liquid, or concentrated solution to take by mouth.
While the drug is effective for many arthritis patients, there are warnings to ensure safe use of the drug.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 7.7% of the prescriptions were for prednisone -- making it the second most commonly prescribed of the arthritis drugs.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is considered an older disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). Plaquenil is actually in a class of medications called anti-malarials but it is also used to treat rheumatic and autoimmune conditions which are unrelated to malaria. It's important to know about safety warnings associated with plaquenil so undesirable side effects can be minimized.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 5.7% were written for Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) -- making it the fourth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen is a combination narcotic painkiller. Brand name drugs which contain hydrocodone with acetaminophen include: Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Dolacet, Vanacet and Hydrocet.
Many arthritis patients achieve sufficient pain relief when a narcotic analgesic such as Vicodin is included in their treatment plan. Other patients steer clear of narcotic analgesics because they fear becoming addicted.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 4.5% were written for hydrocodone/acetaminophen -- making it the fifth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Ultram (tramadol)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Tramadol, the generic version of Ultram, is a synthetic analgesic medication. The exact mode of action of tramadol is unknown but it is said to work like morphine. Tramadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain -- receptors that transmit the sensation of pain throughout the body.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 2.3% were written for Ultram (tramadol) -- making it the sixth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Mobic (meloxicam)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Mobic (meloxicam) is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Mobic, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2000, is prescribed to relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is primarily used to reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Take as directed to ensure safe use.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 2.1% were written for Mobic (meloxicam) -- making it the seventh most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Celebrex (celecoxib) is the only COX-2 selective NSAID currently on the market in the United States. COX-2 selective NSAIDs are considered less likely to cause stomach problems than traditional NSAIDs -- popular medications used to treat arthritis. However, all NSAIDs have risk of high blood pressure, kidney problems, fluid retention, and heart risks.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.9% were written for Celebrex -- making it the eighth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Updated June 30, 2014.
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a skeletal muscle relaxant approved for the relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Flexeril is very closely related to the antidepressant amitriptyline.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.6% were written for Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) -- making it the ninth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Updated June 30, 2014.
Lyrica (pregabalin) was approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults 18 years and older on June 21, 2007. Exactly how Lyrica works is unknown. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been linked to changes in the brain that influence how people feel pain. Fibromyalgia patients experience a heightened sensitivity to stimuli that are not normally painful to others. Some data suggests Lyrica binds to a protein in nerve cells that is responsible for the heightened sensitivity.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.6% were for Lyrica (pregabalin) -- making it the tenth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
Source:
Rheumatology News Vital Signs Vol.7 No.6 June 2008.
Updated June 30, 2014.
Arthritis drugs are used by most arthritis patients as part of their treatment plan. Patient response to arthritis drugs can vary, so it's impossible to say ahead of time which drug will be most effective for an individual patient.
What arthritis drugs are most often prescribed by rheumatologists? Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, Rheumatology News published the results that show the top 10 drugs prescribed by rheumatologists:
- Methotrexate and Folic Acid
- Prednisone
- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen)
- Ultram (tramadol)
- Mobic (meloxicam)
- Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
Arthritis drugs fall into 5 different classifications:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Analgesics (pain medications)
- Corticosteroids
- Nonbiologic DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)
- Biologic DMARDs
Learn more about each of the most commonly prescribed arthritis drugs.
Methotrexate and Folic Acid
Updated June 30, 2014.
Methotrexate is a non-biologic DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) used to treat certain types of arthritis and rheumatic conditions. Methotrexate is classified as a DMARD because it decreases pain and swelling associated with arthritis, and also, methotrexate can lessen joint damage and lower the risk of long-term disability. Improvement from methotrexate may be seen at 6 weeks but it may take 12 weeks or even 6 months of treatment for full benefit to be realized.
While the drug is effective for many arthritis patients, there are warnings to ensure safe use of the drug. For example, since methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist, it must be replenished by taking a 1 mg folic acid supplement daily. Folic acid supplementation should also minimize side effects associated with taking methotrexate.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 8.5% of the prescriptions were for methotrexate -- making it the most popular arthritis drug prescribed -- and 5.8% were written for folic acid, making it the third most common prescription for arthritis.
More About Methotrexate Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
- 10 Things You Should Know About Methotrexate
- Is Methotrexate Injection Better Than Oral Methotrexate?
Prednisone
Updated June 30, 2014.
Prednisone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis and other conditions. Prednisone is classified as a corticosteroid. Synthetic corticosteroids, like prednisone, are designed to mimic cortisol action in body. Cortisol is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. Prednisone is available in tablet form, liquid, or concentrated solution to take by mouth.
While the drug is effective for many arthritis patients, there are warnings to ensure safe use of the drug.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 7.7% of the prescriptions were for prednisone -- making it the second most commonly prescribed of the arthritis drugs.
More About Prednisone Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
- 10 Things You Should Know About Prednisone
- Why Are Prednisone Withdrawal Symptoms Minimized by Tapering?
- Prednisone Quiz - True or False?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is considered an older disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). Plaquenil is actually in a class of medications called anti-malarials but it is also used to treat rheumatic and autoimmune conditions which are unrelated to malaria. It's important to know about safety warnings associated with plaquenil so undesirable side effects can be minimized.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 5.7% were written for Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) -- making it the fourth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Plaquenil Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen is a combination narcotic painkiller. Brand name drugs which contain hydrocodone with acetaminophen include: Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Dolacet, Vanacet and Hydrocet.
Many arthritis patients achieve sufficient pain relief when a narcotic analgesic such as Vicodin is included in their treatment plan. Other patients steer clear of narcotic analgesics because they fear becoming addicted.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 4.5% were written for hydrocodone/acetaminophen -- making it the fifth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Vicodin Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
- Drugs A-Z: Vicodin
- Facts About Analgesics
- 10 Things You Should Know About Analgesics
Ultram (tramadol)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Tramadol, the generic version of Ultram, is a synthetic analgesic medication. The exact mode of action of tramadol is unknown but it is said to work like morphine. Tramadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain -- receptors that transmit the sensation of pain throughout the body.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 2.3% were written for Ultram (tramadol) -- making it the sixth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Tramadol Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Mobic (meloxicam)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Mobic (meloxicam) is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Mobic, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2000, is prescribed to relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is primarily used to reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Take as directed to ensure safe use.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 2.1% were written for Mobic (meloxicam) -- making it the seventh most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Mobic Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Updated June 30, 2014.
Celebrex (celecoxib) is the only COX-2 selective NSAID currently on the market in the United States. COX-2 selective NSAIDs are considered less likely to cause stomach problems than traditional NSAIDs -- popular medications used to treat arthritis. However, all NSAIDs have risk of high blood pressure, kidney problems, fluid retention, and heart risks.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.9% were written for Celebrex -- making it the eighth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Celebrex Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Updated June 30, 2014.
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a skeletal muscle relaxant approved for the relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Flexeril is very closely related to the antidepressant amitriptyline.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.6% were written for Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) -- making it the ninth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Flexeril Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
- Drugs A-Z: Flexeril
- When Are Muscle Relaxers Prescribed for Arthritis Patients?
Updated June 30, 2014.
Lyrica (pregabalin) was approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults 18 years and older on June 21, 2007. Exactly how Lyrica works is unknown. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been linked to changes in the brain that influence how people feel pain. Fibromyalgia patients experience a heightened sensitivity to stimuli that are not normally painful to others. Some data suggests Lyrica binds to a protein in nerve cells that is responsible for the heightened sensitivity.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.6% were for Lyrica (pregabalin) -- making it the tenth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Lyrica Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Source:
Rheumatology News Vital Signs Vol.7 No.6 June 2008.
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