7Opioid Painkillers
Opioids are the strongest medications available for relieving pain. They are only available as doctor’s prescriptions and come in injectable or oral forms. Common options include codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, methadone, meperidine, tramadol, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. In most cases, opioids are only prescribed for severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis that leads to intense pain. Taking these medications, in the long run, may cause dependence or addiction. Therefore, your doctor may need to monitor you closely. People with rheumatoid arthritis should combine opioids with other treatments. It is because opioids are only effective in alleviating pain, but do not help prevent inflammation or slow down the condition. [7]
