Diet and exercise are an important part of overall health. In many diseases, your diet can affect the frequency and severity of your symptoms. There are many foods that can trigger the onset of arthritis symptoms. Extra weight can also increase the onset of arthritis symptoms. If you suffer from arthritis, it is important that you maintain a healthy weight in order to decrease the onset of symptoms. If you are overweight, this will cause extra pressure on joints such as the spine, hips, and knees – the main joints that support your body.

In order to manage your arthritis, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet. Studies have shown that the best arthritis diet for most patients is one that is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of your arthritis diet because of the vitamin content. As with many illnesses, there are also foods that can trigger arthritis symptoms and should be avoided.

Foods to Avoid in Arthritis

The following foods can trigger the onset of symptoms and should be eliminated from your arthritis diet – or used as little as possible:

o Milk and dairy products

o Flour

o Sugar

o Red meat

o Butter and margarine

o Chocolate

o Sugar

o Foods containing sugar – such as syrup, honey, and jelly

o Caffeine

o White potatoes

o Red peppers

o Salt – use as little as possible

o Wheat flour

o Bran

Foods that are beneficial in Arthritis

As well as foods that may trigger symptoms, there are also foods that are beneficial to your arthritis diet. These foods can help to decrease the onset of arthritis symptoms:

o Apples – great inflammatory fruit

o Blackberries

o Kiwi fruit

o Peaches

o Mango

o Cantaloupe

o Strawberries

o Other fruits high in vitamin C

o Sardines

o Herring

o Salmon

o Mackerel

o Tuna

o Trout

o Other oily fishes that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E

o Broccoli

o Cabbage

o Spinach

o Brussels sprouts

o Sweet potatoes

o Carrots

o Collard greens

o Squash

o Other vegetables that are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C

o Sunflower seeds

o Linseeds

o Pumpkin seeds

o Walnuts

o Brazil nuts

o Almonds

o Brown rice

o Whole wheat bread

o Chick peas

o Lentils

o Ginger

o Garlic

o Turmeric

A Balanced Diet for Arthritis

It is necessary to maintain a healthy, balanced arthritis diet for your overall health and to decrease the symptoms of arthritis. Many foods can trigger the inflammation associated with arthritis – and these foods should be avoided as often as possible. With any diet, portion size is one of the key ingredients to a successful diet. Some foods on the avoid list can be consumed in small quantities without adverse effects. It is important that you eat a variety of foods – fruits, vegetables, breads, and meats.

Different types of foods have different nutritional values and a combination is important in order to obtain the greatest benefits from these foods. Some things can be successfully consumed in moderation, such as alcohol, sodium, and sugar. As with any diet, you should avoid too much fat and cholesterol. Be sure your arthritis diet includes foods that will help with your overall health by providing the necessary vitamins and that your diet will help you to maintain a healthy weight. Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating, which can cause you to feel less energetic and can cause you to gain extra weight, which will increase the pressure on the joints.

Arthritis Exercises

Along with a healthy arthritis diet, a regular exercise regimen is essential for your overall health. Exercise can help to keep the joints from stiffening and can decrease the onset of stiffness and inflammation associated with arthritis. It is important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise – not only for your overall health, but to help in the management of your arthritis symptoms.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Arthritis Diet at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthritis/arthritis-diet.html AyurvedicCure.com is the World?s Largest Alternative Health Portal. You can also participate in Health Q&A where you can ask questions and share your remedies. If you are worried about your pets health, read about Dogs and Pets Health Care

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In the United States, arthritis affects more than 46 million people. By the year 2030, as the "baby boomers" get older, this number is expected to climb to 60 million! With numbers like that, it's a safe bet that your nursing assistants provide care to clients with arthritis. But, do your CNAs know that arthritis is not a normal part of aging and what they can do to help clients who suffer from arthritis? Here is some information to help get a discussion going about arthritis at your next CNA inservice meeting.

The Aches & pains of Arthritis

"Oh, my aching joints!" You've probably heard many of your clients make that complaint. In fact, you may have said it yourself!

Aching joints are one of the main symptoms of arthritis. (This makes sense since the word "arthritis" comes from two Greek words that mean "joint" and "inflammation".) But, did you know that…?

There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some forms of the disease are mild and some can be very serious. Some types of arthritis affect the whole body-not just the joints. Most forms of arthritis are chronic…meaning that there is no cure and they last a lifetime. Half of the people over age 65 report symptoms of arthritis.

Isn't Arthritis Just Part of Getting Older?

You might be thinking that arthritis is just a normal part of aging. So, what's the big deal? Shouldn't we all just expect to have aching joints as we get older?

Well…some forms of arthritis do come from wear and tear on the joints. And, the older we get, the more our joints tend to wear down. However, there are a couple of important points to remember about arthritis:

Nearly two out of every three people with arthritis are younger than age 65. Some elderly people never develop arthritis. There are many young adults who are diagnosed with arthritis. In fact, over 8 million Americans under the age of 44 have arthritis. Some forms of arthritis appear to be caused by viruses, bacteria or genetic defects-rather than by wear and tear on aging joints. Most people over 60 show signs of arthritis on their X-rays, but many of them have no symptoms of the disease.

What causes Arthritis?

The exact causes of arthritis remain a mystery. However, there seems to be three main factors that play a role in the development of arthritis. These include:

Genetic Factors

There seems to be a genetic link for developing osteoarthritis, especially in the joints of the hands. Some people are born with defective cartilage which tends to break down easily.

Accidents, Injuries & Illness

Some types of arthritis may be due to bacterial infections. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing some forms of arthritis. Accidental injuries-such as a dislocated joint, a bad sprain or a fracture-can lead to arthritis. Sports-related injuries can cause arthritis.

Lifestyle

Poor nutrition may be a factor in the development of arthritis. Years of poor posture or lack of exercise can contribute to arthritis.

Because arthritis affects so many people, it's likely that at least half of your clients are affected by the disease. They are forced to learn how to manage their everyday lives while dealing with this painful, chronic condition. So, what's the good news? You can help!

A Dozen Tips for Helping Clients Manage Arthritis

1. Keep in mind that if you hear popping, clicking or banging noises when your clients move their joints, they may have osteoarthritis. And, if you hear a sound like crinkling plastic wrap when they move their joints, they may have rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Remember that some days are better than others for people with arthritis. Don't be surprised if your clients can function pretty well one day and need lots of help the next.

3. Check the fit of your clients' shoes. Remember that people's feet can change size as they age. If shoes are too small, they will put pressure on sensitive joints. If shoes are too large, they put your client at risk for falling.

4. Remind your clients to change position frequently. This includes the position of their jaw, neck, hands, shoulders, arms, hips, legs, back and feet. Encourage them to stretch any area that feels tense or stiff.

5. Keep in mind that people with arthritis may find it easier to climb stairs one at a time, leading with their stronger leg.

6. Remind your clients to use the strongest joint possible to complete a task. For example, rather than open a door with their arthritic hand, they can push it open with a shoulder instead.

7. Encourage your clients with arthritis to sit in chairs with arms so they can push on the arms when getting up.

8. Be sure to balance periods of exercise and activity with periods of rest.

9. Remember that some of your clients may have specially made splints to help keep their joints in the correct position and reduce pain. Your clients may need help putting on and taking off these splints.

10. Remind your clients to use proper posture. This helps prevent additional joint damage. (And, keep in mind that slouching actually requires more energy than sitting up straight!)

11. Encourage your clients to use any self-help devices they may have to help them bathe, dress or eat. If they don't know how to use a particular assistive device, let your supervisor know.

12. Be sure to let your supervisor know if a client has pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint.

For a more comprehensive review of arthritis, consider presenting the inservice, Understanding Arthritis to your nursing assistants.

Linda H. Leekley BS, RN
President, In the Know, Inc.
Do you struggle to provide your nursing assistants with high quality continuing education? With more than 120 inservice topics, In the Know has the solution to nearly any problem facing your nurse aides. Using our inservices ensures that your CNAs will learn more-and achieve more. As a result, their client care will improve dramatically! And, we stand by the superior quality of our teaching materials with a 60-day money back guarantee.
Please visit our website at http://www.knowingmore.com to download a FREE Inservice Topic.

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The Bextra arthritis drug is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug), which is orally prescribed by medical professionals mainly to treat/reduce the symptoms of acute pain, inflammation and fever associated with arthritis. However, This drug is alos used in the treatment of menstrual pain, migraines, bone pains, ankylosing spondylitis, renal colic etc. Bextra is also known as Valdecoxib and is manufactured by Pfizer. This drug was first launched in the United States in 2001 and was later withdrawn in 2005 as per recommendations of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – a regulatory agency of the government.

The main reasons for the above action taken by the FDA against the Bextra arthritis drug were as follows:

Almost all NSAID's and other anti-inflammatory medications are known the increase the risk of heart failure in patients. It is generally assumed that the use of Bextra doubles the risk of cardiovascular ailments in patients. For patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases, the adverse effects of Bextra are even more pronounced. Increased risk of strokes too is associated with Bextra. The major reason however, for the recall by FDA was the increased risk of skin reactions, which were sometimes fatal as well.

By this time however, the Bextra arthritis drug had become popular with doctors and patients alike. The effectiveness of Bextra as a pain reliever was well known. Another advantage of Bextra over was that it lowered the risks of gastrointestinal disorders that were associated with other NSAID's.

The recall of Bextra from the market by FDA confused many patients and doctors alike. Medical practitioners felt that the decision to prescribe Bextra to a particular patient should be left to the doctor alone, as he/she would be in a better position to understand the effect that such a drug could have on the patient's body and so, could effectively regulate the dosage to reduce any such adverse effects. Patients that were effectively using Bextra had to resort to some alternate drug in a relatively short span of time as well.

Ever since the removal of the Bextra arthritis drug from the market, new guidelines were established by the FDA. These guidelines basically stated that any other such drugs had to carry warnings that mentioned the risks associated with the intake of such products as well as the proper method to ensure "safe use" of the same drugs. Even Pfizer's other similar product – Celebrex was affected by this decision. To sum it up, this entire incident only led to more stringent control and increased awareness among the medical community as well as the general public.

If you enjoy reading my articles you can publish them to your website or blog. You can also visit my blog about Arthritis in Fingers

http://arthritisinfingers.net – resources and information for people

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Any individual who is really suffers the acute joint pain probably is victim of arthritis disease. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that triggered by a many of variable things like age, injury or infections. The joins pain is confined to joints like feet, hip, toe, ankles, spine and others.

Any human being who has arthritis wishes to cure it. But not too many options exists. It is a physical therapy and joint replacements surgeries. They might provide a good results, however those results are short lived. More and more people turned to alternative medicine and arthritic supplements programs. One of such arthritic supplements is Provailen.

It facilitates in supplying lasting reduction of inflammation by slowing the damage process of joints. Provailen ingredients help in soothing the muscular tissues and the joints itself by generating more flexibility  and reducing the stiffness of muscle tissues. In addition one of the ingredients capsaicin enhances the blood flow to strengthen supplement absorption.

Provailen ingredients are incredibly efficient and may virtually remove the pains which is most certainly could be an arthritis. Arthritis can hugely impact peoples lifestyle. Provailen is a great arthritis supplement which provides people with relief from arthritis pain and bring them back to happy and active lifestyle.

This post was delivered to you by your friends at Provailen Arthritis Supplement

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Now this is a very broad subject. I could literally write an entire book on this subject. There are simply too many arthritis drugs that fall into this category. There are so many reports of people suffering badly as a result of taking prescribed medication. This includes medications prescribed for arthritis. The following is just one example of this.

Vioxx is an arthritis pain killing drug produced by Merck. It was approved in 1999 and has been widely used throughout America and UK until September 2004 when it was withdrawn.

A jury in Texas on Friday awarded a $253.4m settlement to the widow of the 59-year-old Robert Ernst who died suddenly after using arthritis drug Vioxx. The court heard claims that Merck had played down safety fears about the arthritis drug for an entire decade.

You many consider this to be old news but it is quite clear that people were placed under unnecessary risks. The arthritis drug was prescribed to over 20 million people worldwide before it was withdrawn. Experts estimate that arthritis drug Vioxx could have caused 27,785 heart attacks since it was approved for use in 1999.

The above is only one example of an arthritis drug that has been reported to have side effects. The more research I do the more arthritis drug that come to my attention. There are so many reported incidents that very little searching needs to done to find a new incident.

It seems as if the pharmaceutical companies are putting profits before the welfare of patients, but I'm sure this isn't something new you're hearing. To me it seems as if they are weighing up how much profit they can make in comparison to how much they expect to pay in damages to people who suffer adverse effects and so long as the profit outweighs the compensation they expect to pay out, they are willing to go ahead and launch. If I am wrong then the only other explanation I can think of is that they are simply not taking enough care in testing there products. Regardless of what the true reasons the outcome is always the same. Innocent people end up suffering.

I don't think they have set out to harm us. I truly believe that scientists and doctors who develop the arthritis drug in the labs really do want to help. However it isn't always them that make the final decision. It is the people in the board room that make those decisions and their motivations may not always be as pure.

As an arthritis sufferer this is very worrying. Personally I don't want to be the unfortunate individual that does have a bad reaction to a drug. The only advice I can give to everyone out there is be very careful. Try to make sure that the arthritis drug prescribed to you have already been widely used for a long time with no reports of serious side effects.

As a result of these reports of prescribed drugs causing potentially lethal side effects more and more people are looking to alternative medicine. Natural remedies are not a new fad, if anything they are the original medicine, before everything was repackaged in a laboratory. Natural medicines have been around and practiced for thousands of years. More and more studies are revealing that there is sound scientific reasoning why natural remedies work and modern medicine is taking advantage of this by repackaging it in a bottle and selling it for a huge profit.

For the skeptics out there the only thing I have to say is that you should try them at least once and see for yourself. So many people have and enjoy a much better quality of life. As you can tell I am very much in favor of natural remedies, more so now than ever as the pharmaceutical industry doesn't seem to have my best interests at heart.

View more interesting information please visit:

http://www.cureyourarthritisremedy.com

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No one, not even the doctors could identify the exact time frame when artritis will attack the patient. Even the intensity of the pain brought by arthritis cannot be determined. arthritis doesn't only make the joints painful and stiff, the worse thing is that it causes damage to the joints and may result to a person becoming crippled due to the disease. The proper arthritis treatment is needed to somehow alleviate the pain and at the same can be a prevention of damaging the muscles more.

The Right Drug Varies from One Person to Another

For such a long time, the traditional arthritis treatmen refers to the dependency on arthritis drugs. The effects however vary because they rely on how the arthritic patient's body responds to the drugs. Not to mention, there is a risk of incurring side effects from the intake of arthritis drugs. That's why it is truly hard to find the best arthritis drug that suits an individual.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like salsalate and salicyate are considered to be NSAIDs in traditional forms, and they are comprised of COX-2 selective inhibitors that are the elements that these basic arthritis drugs are composed of in order to assist in blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) activities. Another type is the Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that are proven to be very effective although the effect is felt slower than the effect from NSAIDs. This type of drug is recommended for use against ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs are recommended for aggressive treatment of arthritis in its early stages to help in preventing the disease from progressing into a more serious one. This will also aid in ensuring that the joints or affected areas are not totally damaged.

Taking corticosteroids (glucocorticoids,) simply referred to as "steroids," is also a form of arthritis treatment and the action of this type of drug is to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the affected areas in a fast way, thereby giving quick relief to the arthritic patient. These drugs have works with the cortisol in the body, a hormone found in the adrenal glands. This hormone helps in controlling organ and joint inflammation brought about by diseases such as vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The right dosage should be taken by the patient because if these are taken into a higher dosage than required and used for a long period, serious side effects may arise. In order to get the right arthritis treatment, it is always best to consult the doctor.

Because of the extreme amount of pain that an arthritic person consistently experiences, analgesics or pain killers are the normal drugs to take in arthritis treatment because they lessen or control the pain that comes with having arthritis as a disease. They are unlike NSAIDs that can alleviate inflammation of the affected parts. Narcotic analgesic drugs are used in instances of severe pain. Depending on the kind of drug used, bone loss may be slowed down or prevented and bone growth may happen and at the same time the rate of sustaining fractures will be decreased.

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One of the most common arthritis drugs for dogs is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called Rimadyl and it was created for relieving pain and inflammation in dogs. Research has proven that it provides relief for osteoarthritis symptoms. Rimadyl has fewer side effects than other similar drugs on the market today, and for that reason, it has become a popular choice for pet owners.

Rimadyl, however, is a drug; not a cure, and every drug has some kind of harmful side effect. Regardless of the fact that Rimadyl is highly effective at reducing swelling, inflammation, and pain, and can make coping with pet arthritis more bearable, it does not treat the disease itself, and therefore is not a cure. Some of the reported side effects are digestive upset and liver problems.

The medication should be given with food to avoid stomach upset, and it has been advised to allow your pet to eat some food, then take the medication and then finish eating. This allows the drug to be absorbed along with the food, and reduces the onset of stomach upset. In a lot of cases, the veterinarians also prescribe additional drugs to counter act the upset stomach and ulcers. As with all drugs, there are possible side effects with long term use.

When using arthritis drugs for dogs you should carefully monitor your pet, and look for any of these symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and cramps. Other things you might notice are: loss of appetite, dark stools, jaundice or lethargy. symptoms that are less obvious are damage to the liver or kidneys and could aggravate preexisting hypertension.

Some recent studies found that there are things that a pet owner can do to reduce the chances of their pet having these harmful side effects. The study suggests that the use of any arthritis drugs for dogs should be limited, and one of the ways that this can be accomplished is to combine the drug with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. As you see your pets condition improve, decrease the amount of painkillers as discomfort and limping disappear.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate enhanced by other nutritional supplements and herbs, can make a major difference in your dog. Make sure that the nutritional supplements are made of all natural ingredients and should include antioxidant vitamins and minerals to help support joints from deterioration.

Thoroughly investigate any arthritis drugs for dogs before giving them to you pet, and beware of the harmful side effects.

Your dog does not have to suffer any longer. Visit Stop dog Pain now and watch the free video that shows you how. End your pet's pain today.

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Vetionx features a line of 6 effective and safe pet health care products for all pets and animals, including dogs, pussies, horses, birds and reptiles. The Firm has been producing and selling OTC pet wellbeing treatments since 2005 and its headquarters is located at 4460 – 44th St. SW, Ste. C 600, Grand Falls, MI, 49512. Dr . Burn Wilson, the Vetionx Pet Care Coach, joined the host of This Vetionx Moment, Gerry Barnaby, to speak about pet arthritis and discomfort, highlighting the benefits of employing natural drugs.

She highlighted the benefits of using natural drugs such as Arthro-ionx, a pain pet medication, instead of using potentially damaging drugs. She also highlighted the benefits of utilizing the natural medicines from Vetionx, indicating they contain FDA approved ingredients. Dr . Charline Wilson, known to customers as Doctor.

Burn, is a 1981 student of Michigan State Varsity Varsity of Vet Medication. Inspired by the need to help pets with persistent deteriorative conditions not replying well to typical treatments, Doctor. Char commenced exploring then offering holistic care for her animal patients. Dr. Burn uses Computerized Electro-Dermal Screening to gauge dynamic disparities in the body.

This system screens for potential patient solutions, especially those with dynamic effectiveness. Her work with this system gives her a novel perspective on holistic, integrated pet cures. She finds many times ‘less is more’ in ordering treatment and depends on Vetionx products for her animal patients as a supporting element of her holistic customs. Vetionx features a line of six safe and effective pet medicare products for all pets and animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds and reptiles. The Corporation has been manufacturing and selling OTC pet health treatments since 2005. Its headquarters are found at 4460 – 44th St. SW, Ste. C six hundred, Grand Falls, MI, 49512. At Vetionx, we have a belief in helping your pet restore natural balance.

Interested consumers can visit the Vetionx website at : our website distribution of press releases . Customers are also invited to visit the company’s Vetionx Facebook page and sign up for updates through Twitter. If you'd like additional information about our sister company, HelloLife or our products, visit the website at our internet site For extra questions, please contact Jennie Mac Anaspie at 616.808.3290 x1028 or thru e-mail at jmacanaspie at hellolife dot net.

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Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Disease is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15. arthritis is a common condition that affects an estimated 8 million people in the UK. Disease involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement.

Disease is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. There are many forms of Arthritis (over 100 and growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system.  Disease  is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. Women – 24.3 million of the people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Men – 17.1 million of the people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation but the term often is used to refer to more than 100 different rheumatic diseases that can affect children and adults. Disease is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis is a costly disease: It's the leading cause of absenteeism; more than 45 million work days are lost each year. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting approximately 43 million people. Women are significantly over-represented (60.4% of all people with arthritis compared with half the population). Almost 60% of all people with arthritis are of working age (15-64 years). Nearly 5% of Australians are taking medication for arthritis, and 1.5% will receive hospital treatment this year.

Some fact about disease including is First is Arthritis is a natural consequence of aging. The true fact is the risk of arthritis increases with age, it isn't a normal part of the aging process. Second is Arthritis only affects women. While a lot of women (over 28 million) have arthritis, the disease also affects men who number over 18 million. Third is Arthritis is caused by cold, wet weather. these fact is false a common belief that dry weather is good for arthritis. This has caused some people to move hoping they will be cured.

However, arthritis can strike anywhere regardless of the weather. Fourth is Arthritis can be cured. Arthritis affects only postmenopausal women. These fact is false because Many types of arthritis begin in the 20s and 30s and even toddlers can get the disease. Arthritis is Australia's major cause of disability and chronic pain. It affects an estimated 3.1 million people or approximately 16.5% of Australians. Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is recognized as one of the major health reasons for leaving work early

Juliet Cohen writes articles for home remedies and homemade recipes. Learn how to give first aid in emergency situations.

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Drugs are the normal method used by the doctors to treat arthritis. There are many different drugs, and each individual could react in a different way to the same drug, so it is difficult to generalise when talking about the side effects that any one drug might have.

We will deal with one drug at a time, and try to help you be a little more informed.

Firstly, you must inform your doctor of any drugs that you are currently taking, as they could react badly with anything that he or she might prescribe.

Methotrexate is one of the widely used DMARD drugs (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs). Also known as Rheumatrex and Trexall.

Methotrexate is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis related arthritis and other auto-immune diseases. It is a chemotherapy drug and used to treat certain cancers, although in much higher doses. Folic acid supplementation is highly recommended with this drug.

It is important to take exactly according to the intstructions provided, as the potential for side effects are quite high.

It can lessen the pain, and decrease the swelling, related to your arthritis, it is also possible that joint damage could be prevented. However, it usually takes at least 6 weeks, and possible up to 6 months of taking the drug before it becomes effective.

It was first approved for use against Rheumatoid arthritis in the United states in the late 1980's

One of the side effects, is that methotrexate will block the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase and will affect the production of folic acid which is very important for newly formed cells. The scientists are still unaware as to how the drug works on the arthritis! This is why it is important to take the folic acid supplements. (Folic acid is to be taken daily)

Methotrexate is to be taken once a week for arthritis, and not taken daily like many of the other drugs. However, for best results, taken the same day each week is optimal.

It is usually available in 2.5 mg tablets and the commencing dose for adults with rheumatoid arthritis is 7.5 to 10 mg. This can be increased up to 20mg if necessary.

It is important to have regular blood tests, as your liver function can be impaired by the methotrexate. It follows that you should avoid alcohol whilst taking this drug. You might suffer sickness and nausea, as a result of an impaired liver function.

Some other side effects might include: a persistent hacking cough, diarrhea, a rash, mouth ulcers, a poor blood count, A shortness of breath and a gradual hair loss.

Very importantly, you must not take methotrexate if you are pregnant. It has been known to cause birth defects!

I am an arthritis sufferer, and have been for many years, and I have developed a diet that controls the arthritis to the point where I have very little inflammation, and no pain at all. All this without the aid of any medication.
For more help, please see: www.arthritis-solutions.co.uk

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