What to Take When You Cannot Take Arthritis Medicine

Arthritis is not one disease, it is a term used to cover more than 100 different conditions. While there are many forms of arthritis that carry varying symptoms, they all affect the musculoskeletal system and often the joints. The majority of arthritic diseases have pain and inflammation as common symptoms. There are many medications on the market to relieve these symptoms, but some people cannot take them because of the side effects and must look at alternatives.

Explore All Options

• Report all medical problems and previous side effects to your doctor. Discuss possible changes to prescription medication, like taking a Celebrex instead of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), if there are gastrointestinal problems. Or using non-traditional medications, such as anti-depressants instead of analgesics for pain, as a possibility. Also discuss changing the dose of arthritis medications to see if they can be better tolerated.

Examine the Alternatives

• There are many supplements on the market that have been helpful for those who cannot take arthritis medication. Some popular options to consider are Indian Frankincense (boswellia is the most common), to reduce inflammation; bromelain, to help with pain and infection; DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) to decrease flares in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; fish oil, to eliminate some arthritic pain; SAM-e, to improve joint health; MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), to combat pain and inflammation; Valerian, as a sleep aid; and Cat's Claw, as an anti-inflammatory. Glucosamine and chondroitin have shown promise taken together and separately for helping protect and rebuild cartilage as well as easing the pain of arthritis.

Considerations

• While it may take a while to get the right dose and the right combination of supplementary medication, it is possible to control many of the symptoms of arthritis without prescription pills. Consider, however, that just because you don't need a prescription to take supplements, it doesn't mean they can't be harmful. If taken in incorrect dosage or mixed with certain other supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medication, nearly anything can be dangerous. Tell your physician what you are taking and the doses. Keep the pharmacist aware of supplementary medicine if filling any prescriptions and never stop taking anything abruptly without direction from a nutrition expert or doctor.