NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis is typically treated with painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Examples of NSAIDs include diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen.
Exercise, physical activity and joint stability
Exercise has been shown to be the best treatment for people who have trouble with their osteoarthritis. Exercise reduces pain and makes it easier for people to do their daily activities.
The initial oral medication of choice in the treatment of OA involves oral NSAIDs.
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) scientists have created a promising injectable cell therapy to treat osteoarthritis that both reduces inflammation and also regenerates articular cartilage.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
About Tanezumab
Tanezumab, an investigational humanized monoclonal antibody, is a potential first-in-class, non-opioid treatment being evaluated for OA pain, CLBP and cancer pain (due to bone metastases). Tanezumab works by selectively targeting, binding to and inhibiting NGF.
Topical NSAIDs (such as Feldene Gel, Orudis Gel, Nurofen Gel, Dencorub Anti-inflammatory Gel and Voltaren Osteo Gel) are creams or gels that are usually used for muscular aches and pains. Topical NSAIDs can help provide some relief from osteoarthritis pain in the short term (up to 10 days).
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
Current treatment for OA is limited to control of symptoms. At this time, there are no pharmacological agents capable of retarding the progression of OA or preventing OA. This is a fundamental and important area of current research.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
Methotrexate is widely regarded as one of the safest of all arthritis drugs, though it carries some potential downsides. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are its most frequent side effects.
PRP injections and cell therapy
The most common and best studied orthobiologic is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The process of PRP injections involves taking your blood, isolating and concentrating the platelets, and injecting billions of platelets into your joint, ligament, or tendon.
Its first “biosimilar” came on the market at the end of January and at least eight more are expected in 2023. Adalimumab is a biologic, a powerful and costly drug made from living cells.
There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a lot you can do to slow its progression, reduce pain, and maintain or improve function.
The newest drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are FDA approved under the brand names Rinvoq, Olumiant, and Xeljanz.