arthritis

What are bone spurs? A bone spur is a small, sharp outgrowth of bone. They can come from local trauma to the bone, cartilage or tendon near where a bone spur has formed. Inflammation, like that caused by arthritis, can also cause the formation of bone spurs. Often, bone spurs are not painful or uncomfortable. …

What is celecoxib? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for example, ibuprofen (Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Naprosyn) used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that causes pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes …

Osteochondritis dissecans facts Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition whereby a variable amount of bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply. Osteochondritis dissecans causes irregularity and fragility of affected cartilage. As a result, it is possible for portions of cartilage to become lodged within the joint, leading to limitation in motion. The cause of osteochondritis dissecans is often …

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) facts Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a particular form of blood vessel inflammation called vasculitis. Henoch-Schonlein purpura frequently follows an infection of the throat or breathing passages, but it can be induced by certain medications. Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes skin rash, pain in the abdomen, and joint inflammation (arthritis). The treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura is directed toward the most significant …

Aspirin vs. NSAIDs side effects differences Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are non-narcotic pain relievers. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are used to treat pain and reduce inflammation from a variety of causes, such as headaches, injuries, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. NSAIDs also are used as fever reducers. Aspirin also prevents blood clots (i.e., …

What is sulfinpyrazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfinpyrazone is an oral drug that is used to treat gout. Gout is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia). Sulfinpyrazone works by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine thereby lowering the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that are responsible for …

What brand names are available for valdecoxib? This drug has been discontinued.  Brand name: Bextra

What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen …

What is rofecoxib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, particularly the pain of osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important in promoting inflammation and its signs–pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Rofecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase- 2) and thereby reduces …

What is apremilast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Apremilast is an oral medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Apremilast works by reducing production …