any new medications for the treatment of osteoarthritis?
I have diabetes and my PCP is concerned about the long term effects of taking NSAIDS on my renal system.
Hi Deborah,
That's a legitmate concern.
We have an arthritis medication page here that lists all the types of medication generally used to treat osteoarthritis pain.
Have you already been taking Tylenol and other acetaminophen drugs (such as Anacin-3, Panadal, Phenaphen and Valadol)? They're the first line in pain therapy for arthritis, but, unfortunately, they're not generally as good at relieving pain as the NSAIDs.
You may want to ask your doctor about Capsaicin, which is a component of hot red peppers used as a skin cream (Zostrix). It seems to reduce a substance in the body, known
as substance P, that contributes to inflammation and the delivery
of pain impulses from the central nervous system. You'd have to apply it about four times
a day, in general. Pain relief usually begins within 1 to 2 weeks.
As far as brand new drugs, there aren't any available right now for osteoarthritis pain that I am aware of.
Ask your doctor about the drug classes in our drug page and let us know if you'll try one of those.
Joy B.
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