ASPIRIN AND ARTHRITIS

Many arthritis drugs are used to decrease joint swelling. Swelling and warmth are the result of the body forming an immune response to fight off any foreign threat. In the case of arthritis, the immune system is confused, and begins to fight its own tissues within the joints (these tissues are "foreign things" to the body). This results in pain, swelling, heat, redness, and sometimes stiffness of the joint.

Aspirin is an important drug used to decrease these symptoms. For years aspirin was the only drug available to help reduce the symptoms of arthritis and was called the "gold standard." Now all other drugs are compared to the use of aspirin. Despite the evidence that aspirin works well for many arthritic conditions, it should never be taken without talking with a healthcare provider.

Small amounts of aspirin help relieve headaches, mild pain, and fever. Higher doses taken around the clock relieve some of the symptoms of pain, heat, redness, and swelling brought on by arthritis.

Although aspirin may be sold over-the-counter, its use should not be taken lightly. For some people it may cause side effects. It can irritate the lining of the stomach, and may cause ulcers. People who bleed easily should not take aspirin, because it thins the blood and may cause bruising of the skin. When used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, aspirin will be stopped during a viral illness to avoid Reye's syndrome. Your provider can determine the best dose of aspirin for you.

Aspirin is considered an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age when they have viral illness. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. NSAIDs should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Generic name aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is cheaper and works just as well as brand name aspirin. Before you buy large quantities of aspirin, see if you have side effects from the aspirin chosen or prescribed. Be sure not to take large doses of aspirin unless under a healthcare provider's care.

Not all aspirin is the same. A variety of forms of aspirin have been developed to help avoid stomach side effects. These include liquid forms, buffered tablets, enteric-coated tablets, and timed-release tablets. Differences in the way aspirin tablets dissolve may cause some brands to irritate the stomach more than others. In addition, different brands of aspirin contain different doses.

Some aspirin is called "arthritis strength" or "extra strength" because each tablet contains a higher than average dose. Call your healthcare provider if you do not think your dosage of aspirin is helping. Do not change your dose before speaking with your healthcare provider.

Do not take aspirin with alcohol, coffee, tea, or other drinks with caffeine, because the combination may make stomach problems worse. Always take aspirin with a full meal and plenty of liquids. Finally, to avoid bleeding during or after surgery, do not take aspirin 10 to 14 days before surgery.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, call the national office at (800) 283-7800, or visit their website at www.arthritis.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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