Aspirin can help reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.

Prescription and nonprescription NSAIDs are effective for many people with psoriatic arthritis in controlling swelling, pain and morning stiffness, and in improving range of motion to joints. They can help reduce the limitations to daily activities often caused by arthritis. A partial list includes:

• Clinoril (sulindac)
• Daypro (oxaprozin)
• Feldene (piroxicam)
• Indocin (indomethacin)
• Lodine (etodolac)
• Meclomen (meclofenamate)
• Mobic (meloxicam)
• Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen)
• Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve, Naprelan (naproxen sodium)
• Orudis (ketoprofen)
• Relafen (nabumetone)
• Tolectin (tolmetin sodium)
• Voltaren, Arthrotec (diclofenac)

Which NSAID you use is a decision to be made between you and your doctor. Ask for a discussion of side effects. NSAIDs and aspirin generally do not significantly alter psoriasis skin lesions. NSAIDs or aspirin are sufficient treatment for many people over time. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be added for pain relief; however, Tylenol does not relieve inflammation. A doctor considers stronger medications when NSAIDs and aspirin fail to work and progression of the disease is evident.

COX-2 inhibitors

People with psoriatic arthritis who are interested in trying a new COX-2 inhibitor should talk to their doctor to consider the emerging information regarding the risk of heart attack and stroke among COX-2 users.

• Patients who are at a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, have a history of intolerance to nonselective NSAIDs, or are not doing well on nonselective NSAIDs may be appropriate candidates for COX-2 selective agents.

• Individual patient risk for cardiovascular events and other risks commonly associated with NSAIDs should be taken into account for each prescribing situation.

• Consumers are advised that all over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, including NSAIDs, should be used in strict accordance with the label directions. If use of an NSAID is needed for longer than 10 days, a doctor should be consulted.

Updated February 2005