Suggest An Alternative To Percocet When Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis

Posted on Tue, 10 Jan 2017

Question: I have sevier Osteoarthritis and at this point I am not taking anything but percocet for pain.. I dont like
Percocet for pain because it is causing me memory problems. I Need something for Pain to stop but I have had a lot of steriod shots. Now I read steriods cause Osteoporosis. WHAT TO DO I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. IT IS GETTING HARD TO WALK IN MORNINGS WITHOUT MEDS.
WIill Methotrexate help and is it harmful. I need the side effects of it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

There are a large number of drugs that can be used to ease the osteoarthritis symptoms.
NSAIDs like Ibuprofen are recommended for the analgetic und antiinflammatory effekt .You can use Ibuprofen 600 mg twice a day , combined with a stomach protection drug ( like Pantoprazol).

Another option is to take steroids only in a small dosis like Prednisolon 5 mg once a day .In this case the side effects are very mild. You can also take Vitamin D3 and Calcium to prevent osteoporose.
If these drugs won't ease the symptoms , your doctor can prescribe you a small dosis of a mild opiate .

Methotrexate is a drug that supress the immune system , so the side effects are considerable.It is use only in patients with a severe Arthritis , which doesn't respond to the above medications.

I would suggest to consult a rheumatologist and get examined.

Hope it helps.

Kind regards,
Dr.Murati

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T