How Should I Use Arthritis Medicine?

Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you ask about the best way to take the medicine the doctor prescribes. For example, you may need to take some medicines with milk, or you may need to eat something just before or after taking them, to make sure they don’t upset your stomach.

You should also ask how often to take the medicine or to put cream on the spots that bother you. Creams might make your skin and joints feel better. Sometimes, though, they can make your skin burn or break out in a rash. If this happens, call the doctor.

How will the doctor help? re arthritic pain

After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it.


The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Health insurance or public assistance may help you pay for the medicine, doctor visits, tests, and x rays.

Arthritis and Sjögren's Syndrome

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjögren's Syndrome.
Many people do.
Many people with RA develop another autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's Syndrome, lupus, or vasculitis.
When someone with an established autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, develops extreme dryness of the eyes and mouth it is Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome. When someone has Sjögren's Syndrome and no other autoimmune condition it is called Primary Sjögren's.

What Can I Do if I have symptoms of pain in joints?

Go see a doctor.


Many people use herbs or medicines that you can buy without a prescription for pain. You should tell your doctor if you do. Only a doctor can tell if you have arthritis or a related condition and what to do about it. It’s important not to wait. You’ll need to tell the doctor how you feel and where you hurt. The doctor will examine you and may take x rays (pictures) of your bones or joints. The x rays don’t hurt and aren’t dangerous. You may also have to give a little blood for tests that will help the doctor decide what kind of arthritis you may have.