FOR PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS, PAIN MANAGEMENT IS MORE COMPLEX THAN JUST TAKING ASPIRIN. ARTHRITIS IS A CHRONIC DISEACE THAT CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT PAIN AND DISCOMFORT. IT REQUIRES A CAREFULAPPROACH TO PAIN MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING A COMBINED EFFORT INVOLVING YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR.

The following provides a general overview of medications and other approaches to pain management. It will help you gain additional insight into pain management, but remember, it is very important that you discuss this subject with your doctor to determine what specific pain management course is right for you.

- Here are a few basic considerations about the use of pain medications:

- Not every drug is right for every patient.

- Most drugs have some type of side effect.

- A combination of drugs may be appropriate either by themselves or in conjuction with other drugs for some conditions if recommended by your doctor.

There's a great deal of information - and misinformation - available about medications. One helpful source is your pharmacist. The package insert and other labeling provided by the drug manufacturer is another. No matter where you start, it's important to talk with your doctor about using, changing, or discontinuing medications.

WHAT ARE THE ANALGESICS PRESCRIBED FOR?
The primary purpose of an analgesic is to relieve pain. Some patients use aspirin, an analgesic that also reduces joint inflammation. The most commonly used analgesic, acetaminophen, is relatively effective and has few side effects. Acetaminophen does not contain aspirin, however, so it doesn't relieve joint inflammation. For this reason, acetaminophen is less likely to be used with rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis that cause inflammation, and more likely to be used to treat osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

The main side effect of analgesics is a slight risk of dependency that can occur if the drugs are used for long periods of time.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT NSAIDA?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most frequently used medications for arthritis. They are often used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, juvenile arthritis, and bursitis. Some are available by prescription only, while others (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) can be purchased over the counter.

NSAIDs help reduce redness and swelling and relieve pain. The type of NSAID that your doctor recommends for you will depend on several factors:

- The type of arthritis you have

- The degree of pain and inflammation

- How your body reacts to the NSAID

- Other medications you are taking

As with all medications, there are side effects that can occur with NSAIDs. The most common side effects include constipation and stomach irritation (ranging from indigestion and heartburn to development of stomach ulcers if symptoms are left untreated). For this reason, your doctor will monitor you carefully, and you should report any symptoms immediately.