Psoriatic Arthritis Medications (Cont.)

 
Aspirin
Aspirin is used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, allowing patients to move more easily and carry out normal activities. It is generally part of early and ongoing therapy.
 
Side effects of aspirin can include:
 
  • An upset stomach
  • A tendency to bruise easily
  • Ulcers
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Nausea or vomiting.
     
Traditional NSAIDs
NSAIDs help relieve pain within hours of administration in dosages available over the counter. They relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation in dosages available in prescription form. It may take several days for these medicines to reduce inflammation.
 
Some side effects for all traditional NSAIDs include abdominal pain (or stomach pain), as well as abdominal or stomach cramps or discomfort; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness or lightheadedness; headache; heartburn or indigestion; peptic ulcers; nausea or vomiting; and possible kidney and liver damage (rare).
 
There is some concern that NSAIDs may worsen the skin symptoms of psoriasis.
 
Before taking any traditional NSAIDs, let your doctor know if you drink alcohol or use blood thinners, as well as whether you have or have ever had any of the following: sensitivity or allergy to aspirin or similar medications, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, or peptic ulcers.
 
COX-2 Inhibitor NSAIDs
Like traditional NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors block COX-2, an enzyme in the body that stimulates an inflammatory response. Unlike traditional NSAIDs, however, they do not block the action of COX-1, an enzyme that protects the stomach lining.
 
Side effects of these medicines can include stomach irritation, ulceration, and bleeding. It is recommended that patients with a history of bleeding or ulcers, decreased kidney function, liver disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), or asthma use these medicines with caution.
 
Being monitored by a doctor is recommended before taking a COX-2 inhibitor, especially if you have had a heart attack, stroke, angina, blood clot, hypertension, or sensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
 
(Psoriatic Arthritis Medications Continued: Page 4)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD