When would I need medicines for osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term condition where your joints can become painful and stiff. This can limit your movement and ability to do things.

If you are living with OA, medicines may be used as part of a treatment strategy. It is important to work with your doctor to find out what works for you.

How do OA medicines work?

The main aim of OA treatment is to find ways for you to function well in daily life. You may not be able to cure the pain completely. Medicines can help control the pain and discomfort of OA, allowing you to move more freely and have a good quality of life.

Different types of medicine can ease osteoarthritic pain. Some are tablets and capsules that you swallow. Some you can rub on your skin and others are injected into the joints.

What types of OA medicine might I be prescribed?

The most common medicines used for osteoarthritis are:

• analgesics (pain relieving medicines), such as paracetamol
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac and ibuprofen tablets can help with inflammation and swelling as well as pain
• topical therapies (that you put on your skin), including gels and creams, such as topical NSAIDs and capsaicin)

You might also need corticosteroid injections (a type of steroid) into your joints to lessen the inflammation. These don't last long-term and can damage the joint if you have them too often.

If these medicines don't work, your doctor may consider other medicines including antidepressants such as duloxetine or an opioid medicine. However, opioid medicines should not usually be used long-term, as they can have side effects and cause addiction.

What are the possible side effects of taking medicines for OA?

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are not. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects of any medicine you are taking.

The main concern with oral NSAIDs is a risk of gastrointestinal (tummy) side effects, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. More serious but less common side effects of some NSAIDs include heart problems and kidney damage. This may happen when you take them for long periods of time at high doses.

If you are taking an NSAID, you should try to take it for the shortest time possible. Your doctor may also suggest you take a proton pump inhibitor to lessen the chance of gastrointestinal side effects.

Paracetamol may not work very well for OA pain. It can also have harmful side effects if you take it long-term, especially if you are also taking an NSAID.

Topical NSAIDs are unlikely to have side effects as they work locally and are not absorbed into your body. Capsaicin cream can cause a short term burning sensation.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms of OA that affect your daily life. Your doctor can discuss the best treatment options with you.

Before taking any medicines, you may wish to ask your doctor or pharmacist:

• what are the possible side effects?
• what are the benefits?
• what to do if you miss a dose
• what to do if you experience side effects

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you feel unwell when taking your medicines. Do not stop or change your medicines without talking to your doctor.

Are there any alternatives to these medicines?

Some people find supplements such as glucosamine, fish oils or curcumin helpful. Others use complementary therapies such as acupuncture. However, there is no high-quality evidence to show that these alternatives are effective in treating or relieving pain from OA.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you want to try complementary medicines for your OA.

Visit this page to learn more about OA treatment strategies.

Resources and support

If you are worried about your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can find out more about your medicine by reading the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to speak with a pharmacist who can answer your questions about medicines.

Arthritis Australia has information and support for people with arthritis, including OA.

Call the Arthritis Infoline on 1800 011 041 for information about local support services, seminars and resources.