NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and are symptom-modifying drugs. They act by reducing inflammation and suppressing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a valuable role within the body, but also drive the inflammatory process in arthritis. Many well-known products, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are types of NSAIDs and are used for milder disease. Stronger drugs, only available on prescription from a doctor, might be offered if the milder treatments provide little or no benefit. It takes time to find the most effective treatment and doctors may try various doses and products before establishing the optimum regimen.
Because prostaglandins also provide other useful functions, suppressing their action can cause unwanted side effects, particularly on the stomach. Long-term use of NSAIDs has led to some individuals developing stomach ulcers. Some drugs have a special enteric coating that prevents the drug from dissolving in the stomach but allows absorption in the small intestine, which makes it less irritating. For the same reason, a stomach-protecting medication might be offered to counteract this negative outcome or a selective NSAID that only targets certain elements of the inflammatory process may be considered.
Current available NSAIDs
- Aceclofenac
- Arthrotec
- Aspirin
- Axorid
- Brufen
- Celicoxib
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclomax
- Difflam (topical)
- Eccoxolac
- Felbinac (topical)
- Feldene
- Fenbid Gel (topical)
- Fenbid
- Fenoprofen
- Flurbiprofen
- Ibugel (topical)
- Ibumousse (topical)
- Ibuspray (topical)
- Lodine SR
- Mefenamic Acid
- Motifene
- Nabumetone
- Napratec
- Naprosyn
- Orudis
- Oruvail (topical)
- Pennsaid (topical)
- Stirlescent
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Vimovo
- Volsaid
- Voltarol (and topical)