AS Treatment Options
The good news about ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is that great strides have been made in treating it. A typical ankylosing spondylitis treatment plan of medication, proper exercise, possibly physical therapy, and good posture can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Medication
The following types of medication are the most common ankylosing spondylitis treatment options:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) — ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen sodium (Aleve®), and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (CELEBREX®) — are considered the first line of AS treatment. They can help reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
- DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) are considered when NSAIDs aren't enough. DMARDs can be effective at controlling the pain and swelling of arthritis of the peripheral joints (limbs, hands, feet).
- TNF blockers — HUMIRA® (adalimumab), ENBREL® (etanercept), and REMICADE® (infliximab) — are ankylosing spondylitis medications. TNF blockers can help reduce the signs and symptoms of this form of arthritis.
It is important to discuss your treatment options with a rheumatologist. They will help you find the option that is right for you.
HUMIRA is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in adults.
Serious infections have happened in patients taking HUMIRA. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections.
HUMIRA may increase the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers.
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation, nervous system problems, blood problems, heart failure, certain immune reactions (including a lupus-like syndrome), and new or worsening psoriasis.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA and discuss it with your doctor.
Click here for Uses and Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA, and discuss it with your doctor.