Taking medication

Most people with arthritis will need to take some kind of medication for their condition – and there are lots of different options.

By learning about the different types of medication, you can discuss with your doctor what might work best for you, by weighing up the benefits and potential side effects.

There are two main families of drugs used by people with arthritis:

• drugs which control the symptoms of your disease
• drugs which affect the disease itself

Read Medication types for more information.

Costs and prescriptions

Prescriptions are currently free of charge across the UK except in England.

The prescription charge in England is £7.40. You are entitled to get prescriptions free of charge if you are on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

People with certain medical conditions are also exempt – arthritis is not listed as a condition but ‘a continuing physical disability which means the person cannot go out without the help of another person’ is listed. A full list of exemptions is on the NHS Business Services Authority website.

If you need frequent prescriptions but do not qualify to get them free of charge you can get a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which will save you money. A three monthly PPC is £29.10. This saves you money if you need four or more items in three months. A 12 month certificate is £104.00 and saves money if 15 or more items are needed in 12 months – you can pay for this by direct debit in 10 monthly instalments.

Buy a PPC from your pharmacist, your primary care trust or from the NHS Business Services Authority online form.

Keeping track of your medication

A variety of professionals will be responsible for your care and will need to know what medicines you are taking so they can understand your needs and prescribe new ones safely for you. Therefore, it is a good idea for you, or your carer, to keep a complete and up-to-date list of the medicines you are taking.

You should list everything you take regularly, not just the medicines prescribed for you. For example, include in the list any vitamins, herbal remedies, over-the-counter painkillers etc that you are taking.

Health professionals should make sure information on your medicines is handed on to the next professional looking after you. 

For people in England there is a form to help you do this. 

Keeping notes or a health passport is a good way to track your symptoms, treatment and activities to establish what makes your arthritis better or worse. 

Further information and help

If you want more information about any arthritis medication, ask your doctor, specialist or contact Arthritis Care’s helplines on 0808 800 4050 (10am-4pm, weekdays) or at Helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk

You can also read eMC Medicine Guides to help you understand how to take your medication and any possible side-effects. Use the following links:

• medication for osteoarthritis
• medication for rheumatoid arthritis
• medication for severe pain
• medication for other conditions