There are hundreds of pain relief drugs that can work for arthritis on the market. What is most difficult for patients is finding the drug that works best for them. It is also important to find the drug that has the least side effects (side effects also vary by individual). Some of the possible medications that treat arthritis pain are as follows.

Fenoprofen

Fenoprofen is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation, swelling and stiffness caused by arthritis. Fenoprofen is generally prescribed in tablet form to be taken by mouth three to four times a day for arthritis pain relief. It is important to remember to take Fenoprofen with food or milk because otherwise it may cause upset stomach. Rare side effects include dizziness, nervousness, upset stomach, stomach pain or cramps, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or gas.

Flurbiprofen

Among other things Flurbiprofen has been known to reduce pain caused by arthritis. This medication should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives or other allergic reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This medicine can also aggravate ulcers or kidney disease. Patients taking blood-thinning medication should also be careful with Flurbiprofen. The most common side effects of this medication are gastrointestinal.

Sulindac

Patients taking Sulindac should avoid alcohol because the mixture of alcohol and Sulindac can cause stomach irritation. Those with weak hearts or high blood pressure should use Sulindac with extreme caution. While taking Tolmetin avoid aspirin, pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginko and vitamin E. Sulindac should not be taken in the third trimester of pregnancy. The medicine is extremely strong and can make some people groggy. Patients should test the way the medicine affects them personally before driving. This medicine can also cause nausea or vomiting, however small frequent meals, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

Oxaprozin

Those with gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, a weakened heart or those who are weak or feeble should not take Oxaprozin. This medicine is often taken on an as-needed basis. Patients should wait twelve to twenty-four hours between doses. Those taking Oxaprozin should avoid alcohol. This medicine makes patients bleed more easily. While taking Oxaprozin avoid aspirin, pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginko and vitamin E. This medicine also makes patients feel hazy and they should avoid driving while taking it.