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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder involving cartilage, bone, synovium and supporting tissues, commonly affecting knees, hips, hands and spine.

Voltaren

Diclofenac

50 · 100mg

Diclofenac 50mg and 100mg tablets, used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and acute musculoskeletal pain. A phenylacetic acid NSAID.

From$0.36/ tabletView

Celebrex

Celecoxib

100 · 200mg

Celecoxib 100mg and 200mg hard capsules, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A selective COX-2 inhibitor.

From$0.57/ tabletView

Arcoxia

Etoricoxib

60 · 90 · 120mg

Etoricoxib 60mg, 90mg and 120mg film-coated tablets, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. A selective COX-2 inhibitor.

From$0.67/ tabletView

Naprosyn

Naproxen

250 · 500mg

Naproxen 250mg and 500mg, as plain and gastro-resistant tablets, used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

From$0.55/ tabletView

Indocin

Indometacin

25 · 50 · 75mg

Indometacin 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules and suppositories, used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout.

From$0.32/ tabletView

Mobic

Meloxicam

7.5 · 15mg

Meloxicam 7.5mg and 15mg tablets, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. An oxicam that leans towards COX-2.

From$0.33/ tabletView

Voveran

Diclofenac

50mg

Voveran is diclofenac 50mg in a gastro-resistant tablet, so it passes the stomach before dissolving. Listed for arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

From$0.39/ tabletView

Voveran SR

Diclofenac

100mg

Voveran SR is diclofenac 100mg in a prolonged-release tablet for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, releasing the NSAID gradually.

From$0.94/ tabletView

Voltaren SR

Diclofenac

100mg

Voltaren SR is diclofenac 100mg in a modified-release tablet for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

From$0.64/ tabletView

Aceclofenac Tablets

Aceclofenac

100 · 200mg

Aceclofenac 100mg and 200mg tablets, an NSAID used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Cyclooxygenase is the target.

From$0.38/ tabletView

Feldene

Piroxicam

10 · 20mg

Piroxicam 10mg and 20mg hard capsules, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. An oxicam NSAID taken by mouth.

From$0.52/ tabletView

Anaprox

Naproxen

500mg

Naproxen 500mg tablets, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and musculoskeletal pain. A propionic acid NSAID.

From$0.69/ tabletView

Voltarol

Diclofenac

100mg

Diclofenac at the single 100mg tablet strength, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A cyclooxygenase inhibitor.

From$0.51/ tabletView

Naprelan

Naproxen

250 · 500mg

Naprelan is naproxen 250mg and 500mg in a prolonged-release tablet for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

From$0.66/ tabletView

Lodine

Etodolac

200 · 300 · 400mg

Etodolac 200mg, 300mg and 400mg tablets and capsules, used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and pain. An NSAID of the acetic acid group.

From$0.72/ tabletView

Key points

  • Pain with use and brief stiffness after rest are typical; prolonged morning stiffness or a hot swollen joint suggests another cause.
  • Exercise and strengthening improve function without “wearing out” the joint when progressed appropriately.
  • Topical and oral NSAIDs relieve symptoms but have different gastrointestinal, kidney and cardiovascular risks.

The listings below do not confirm osteoarthritis or replace a function-focused plan; joint, severity and comorbidities affect selection.

Establishing the pain source

History and examination are often sufficient, with X-rays used when diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are atypical or surgery is considered. Imaging severity and pain do not always match. Gout, inflammatory arthritis, tendon pain and referred spinal pain can coexist.

Improving function

Strength, aerobic activity, pacing and weight reduction when relevant reduce load and improve confidence. Topical NSAID is useful for accessible joints with lower systemic exposure. Injections have time-limited selected roles, while joint replacement is considered for severe persistent pain and disability despite good non-surgical care.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for a hot swollen joint with fever, inability to bear weight after trauma, sudden severe pain, a deformed joint or a cold numb limb.

Further reading

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