Four types of medication are used to treat AS.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that can be used to treat the pain and inflammation ofankylosing spondylitis. NSAIDs do not control the disease, they only treat its symptoms. Therefore, they are only taken on an as-needed basis.
Your doctor may recommend an NSAID to reduce swelling and relieve pain, tenderness, and stiffness in your back and joints. You may start to see benefits within a few weeks.
There are many NSAIDs available, including prescription and non-prescription types. All NSAIDs have an anti-inflammatory effect. Each person reacts differently to different
drugs, so sometimes t one NSAID may brings more relief than another.
The most common side effects associated with NSAID use are indigestion, heartburn, and stomach and abdominal pain. They can also alter the protective lining of the stomach and gut, leading to ulcers and bleeding, thus avoid taking more than two different kinds of NSAIDs together. COX-2 inhibitors are custom-designed types of NSAIDs that minimize the risk of ulcers and bleeding. People with heart disease, or a history of stroke or chest pain, should avoid taking NSAIDs. Discuss the use of NSAIDs with your doctor if you have kidney, stomach or heart problems.
Corticosteroids
The body naturally produces cortisone and other steroids to regulate inflammation in the body. Physicians use corticosteroids as fast-working medication for particularly severe and painful symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. They provide the same type of relief as NSAIDs, but are stronger, and are not meant for chronic or long-term use. They can have severe side effects, so they are usually taken for limited periods of time, or used to provide relief while waiting for slower acting medications to take effect.
Corticosteroids can be injected directly into a joint or taken orally. Some of the side effects of oral corticosteroids include facial rounding, fluid retention,