Arthritis is a general medical term referring to signs and symptoms of inflammation of the joints, usually caused by wear and tear, injury, or infection. Arth comes from the Greek, meaning joint, and itis means inflammation or infection.
If you suffer from arthritis, you are not alone. Nearly 40 million Americans currently have the disease, and this number is expected to increase by 50 percent by the year 2020. Worldwide, arthritis is one of the most prevalent diseases, affecting an estimated 10 percent of the population and 50 percent of people over 60 years of age.
There are many types of Arthritis. The two most common occurring forms of Arthritis are: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis- This type of arthritis is marked by chips and cracks in the smooth cartilage that lines the joints. The bone ends may rub together and develop growths called spurs. Osteo-arthritis affects about half of those over 65.
Rheumatoid arthritis- In this arthritic condition, the lining of the capsule surrounding a joint becomes inflamed and thickened, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. The cause is believed to be auto-immune disease (the body's own immune system attacking itself).
In addition to branded medications, Inhouse Pharmacy (UK) is now able to supply the following generic medications:
Cipla Ltd is a generic drug maker in Bombay India, which broke the patent monopolies held by the larger North American based companies to provide critically needed AIDS drugs to charities like Medicins sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) and patients who cannot afford the expensive brand-name versions.
India's 31-year-old patent rules recognize only manufacturing processes and not the products themselves.
This allows local pharmaceutical companies to use strengths in basic chemistry to produce medicine molecules, which are only slightly different from the original.
Branded Medications Inhouse Pharmacy (UK) is able to supply are:
Probenecid
Probenecid is used to treat chronic gout and gouty arthritis. It is used to prevent attacks related to gout, not treat them once they occur. It acts on the kidneys to help the body eliminate uric acid.
Celebrex
Celebrex is a new class of drugs called Cox-2 inhibitors that appear to work as well as current medicines against inflammation without producing bleeding ulcers and other stomach irritations.
Mobic
Mobic (Meloxicam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflamatory , analgesic, and antipyritic activities. The mechanism of action like that of other NSAIDS may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition.
Cataflam (diclofenac 25mg)
Cataflam (diclofenac) - is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Side effects are similar to other NSAIDS. That is, mainly gastric distress, ulcers, diarrhoea, and occasional rash. It is used for pain and inflammatory conditions and is generally used three times a day
Tramadol (sold under the brand name Ultram in the US)
Tramadol pain relief medication is an analgesic used to treat or prevent pain.
Tramadol (Ultram) received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in March 1995. Tramadol has bee prescribed in more than 55 million patients worldwide and ULTRAM has been prescribed in more than 21 million patients in the United States.
Indomethacin capsules and Indomethacin suppositories.
Indomethacin is a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) family of drugs. NSAIDs reduce inflammation (swelling), pain, and temperature. Indomethacin is used to reduce pain/swelling involved in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and headaches.
Naproxen
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis and bursitis, and acute gout. It is also indicated in the relief of mild to moderate pain.
Voltaren Emulgel
Voltaren Emulgel is a gel for rubbing into the skin and contains a substance called diclofenac. Diclofenac is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAI). Voltaren Emulgel is used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in a number of conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Voltaren Emulgel works particularly well on inflammation of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints due to trauma.
Natural Products
For centuries, man has sought effective medicinal plants for the treatment of various types of arthritis. Ancient and primitive cultures alike have experimented with numerous herbs.
While some of these products have proven anti-inflammatory and healing properties, much more scientific research needs to be conducted to determine what plants in nature's pharmacy can aid the arthritis sufferer.
Inhouse Pharmacy (UK) are able to provide a select number of natural health products that are currently popular for arthritis relief:
Zinaxin
Mobileaze
Kordels Joint Food
Glucosamine
Glucosamine - MSM
Comvita Actiflex
BV Relief
Bee V Balm
Bone Health and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones. It is a progresssive disease which can cause changes in posture and also makes the individual susceptible to bone fractures.
Pagets disease is similar to Osteoporosis in that it is characterised by a weakening of the bones.
Medications
Fosamax is a new prescription medication prescribed to reduce bone loss in Osteoporosis. Inhouse Pharmacy (UK) can now supply and fill prescriptions for Fosamax
