The chronic side effects associated with arthritis medications vary depending on the specific drug, but the most commonly reported are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anemia, headache, and edema (swelling from fluid retention)[1]. Extended use of common arthritis pain relievers like acetaminophen can also lead to more serious side effects, including liver damage, bleeding issues, and yellowing of the skin or eyes[2].
Some treatments and supplements marketed for arthritis, such as glucosamine, tend to have fewer and milder long-term effects, most often nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, or skin reactions. Rarely, glucosamine may worsen asthma or raise eye pressure and can interact with diabetes and blood-thinning medications[3][4].
In rare cases, medications for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritic conditions (especially biologic drugs and DMARDs) may increase the risk of serious infections or cause blood disorders, though it is sometimes challenging to separate medication risk from risk associated with the chronic disease itself[5].
Prolonged use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can increase the risk of kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart problems, and, in rare cases, Reye’s syndrome (especially in children)[1][6]. Chronic use of pain relief drugs can also lead to constipation, dizziness, or worsening blood pressure and heart failure risk in predisposed individuals[7].
References
- [1] Dealing With Side Effects of Arthritis Medications
- [2] Arthritis Pain Relief Side Effects
- [3] Glucosamine – Mayo Clinic
- [4] Glucosamine | Uses, side-effects
- [5] Understanding Drug Side Effects and Risks
- [6] Arthritis Pain Uses, Side Effects & Warnings
- [7] Medications for Arthritis Pain Relief: Risks and Benefits
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