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 | Are there any over-the-counter treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
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|  Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that causes painful swelling, redness, and stiffness of the joints. Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, (brand names Motrin IB, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT) can help to ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and are often the first treatment choice. Also, higher prescription-level doses of these drugs can help reduce inflammation. Creams and lotions such as Zostrix, generic name capsaicin), help relieve pain for some people. These products are rubbed onto the affected joints three to four times daily. Capsaicin creams are usually not as effective as oral medications. Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/. Last accessed 1/15/2007.
This answer prepared 1/17/2001.
This answer updated 1/15/2206.
To learn more about over-the-counter treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, go to:
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