Doctors prescribe different drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia. If you have RA, the medicines you need depend on how bad your disease is. They include:
If you have fibromyalgia, some drugs can ease the pain and help you sleep better:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Steroids. These prescription medications ease inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs turn down your immune system. They relieve symptoms and prevent joint damage.
- Biologic agents. This new class of DMARDs targets specific parts of your immune system.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and naproxen (Aleve).
- Antidepressants. These medications can ease aches and fatigue. They can also help you get a better night's rest.
- Anti-seizure medicines. Drugs that treat epilepsy can give you relief by making you less sensitive to pain