Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints. Why some people are affected by the disease and others are not affected by it is not known. But the researchers have found out that osteoarthritis does not occur without other medical conditions. Osteoarthritis is generally present in combination with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and old age.

The joints are stiff; some times they have swelling due to the broken cartilage and the pain. There are many osteoarthritis medications prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The treatment or osteoarthritis medication is divided in three parts. They are,

• Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs
• Aspirin free pain relievers
• Corticosteroids

Anti inflammatory drugs are available over the counter. But the patient always may not have an inflamed joint. For such patient pain relievers work the best. Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAID drugs that are available over the counter have many side effects. Some of the side effects are gastrointestinal bleeding and there is a possibility of injuring the kidney. There is a possibility that the pre existing medical condition such as diabetes, pre existing gastrointestinal illness and cardiovascular disease may be aggravated.

The medication for treating osteoarthritis causes chemical changes in the body. These chemical changes make the body react to the medication. If the reaction is less the suffering is also less. If the desired effect is taking place that is if your pain is reduced considerably then you tend to ignore the side effects. Sometimes the patient may experience dry mouth, nausea and sleep disorders.

NSAIDS have some known side effects. The patient may experience heartburn, nausea, vomiting or indigestion. Some times these drugs may cause bleeding from stomach ulcers. Those who suffer from asthma may not tolerate the drugs. If the patient is using any other medication such as blood thinner it is advised not to take NSAIDs.

Always talk to your doctor about each and any side effect you may have because of your osteoarthritis medication.  Sometimes a little change in the dosage or medication can solve the problem. Sometimes NSAIDs affect the kidneys and thus cause fluid retention or cause congestive heart failure.

Sometimes the patient may have symptoms such as headache, ringing in the ears, abdominal pain and stomach upset. These are the side effects of the drugs taken as a osteoarthritis medication.

Some of the popular names of NSAIDS used as osteoarthritis medication are, Anacin, Bruffein, Bayer aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil. Motrin etc. Some of the common painkillers that are available over the counter are meperidine, oxycodone and propoxyphene.