Updated August 04, 2014.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Some people are afraid to use arthritis medications to control their disease. That may not surprise you, especially if you have peeked at a list of potential side effects. Based on potential side effects and adverse events, some people convince themselves that the treatment may be worse than the disease.

Study results published online February 26, 2010, in Arthritis Care and Research, revealed that rheumatoid arthritis patients who were concerned or worried about taking arthritis medications were more likely to report side effects, report the side effects to their doctor, take non-prescription drugs to deal with the side effect, and change the medication dosage on their own.

Researchers concluded that rheumatoid arthritis patients who fear arthritis medications and potential side effects are at greater risk of actually experiencing adverse side effects.

Some arthritis patients refuse to take pain medications because they fear becoming addicted. The fear of addiction is in addition to the fear of side effects, such as sedation or lightheadedness, which could interfere with the ability to work, drive, or perform usual daily activities. Addiction isn't the only concern. Some people worry that pain medications simply mask pain, allowing them to overdo activities which could possibly cause further joint damage or injury. Keep in mind, the goal of pain medication is to manage pain so that you can function, not to impede function.

Arthritis medications and pain medications can be safe and effective when used wisely and appropriately. If you follow the advice offered below to ensure safe use, you shouldn't have to fear arthritis medications.

• Be aware of all potential side effects associated with a particular drug which you have been prescribed. By knowing what can happen, you will be prepared to seek immediate medical attention if it does.

• Take your arthritis medication as directed by your doctor -- and only as directed.
• The lowest effective dose of an arthritis medication is optimal for minimizing the risk of side effects or adverse events.
• Discuss your fears and concerns with your doctor. With open and honest communication, you and your doctor should be able to recognize if some of your fears are unrealistic and based primarily on anxiety.
• Discuss with your doctor the difference between addiction, tolerance, and dependence. (See explanation)
• Consider the consequences of untreated arthritis. Don't overlook the fact that untreated arthritis can lead to worse physical function, poor quality of life, and disease progression.
• People who fear medications tend to favor "natural" products. If you are going to pursue natural treatment, become educated about the natural product which interests you. Be aware that natural products and supplements are not regulated and may be untested. Be aware that "natural" is not synonymous with "safe". Natural treatments can adversely interact with other drugs or supplements.
• Understand that not all side effects are serious or severe. Even side effects which are considered "common" are not experienced by most people who take a specific drug. Even if you should experience a side effect, changing the dose or switching to another medication can often solve the problem easily.
• Be aware of things you can do to minimize side effects. For example, depending on the medication, you may be directed to take it with food or take it on an empty stomach. It may be better to take a drug at a particular time of day. With some medications, you should avoid alcohol. Also, avoid discontinuing any drug without your doctor's input. 

Some arthritis patients also fear the injectable drugs, but that is usually related to the fear of needles rather than a fear of the actual medication. Education and training, to ensure proper procedure while self-injecting, should allay those fears.

<sub>Sources:

Medication fears lead to worse side effects. Harding, A. Arthritis Care and Research. Online February 26, 2010. Accessed July 22, 2014 Reuters.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/03/09/us-medication-fears-idUSTRE6284WU20100309</sub>