I have RA and I am on Warfarin for another problem. Is it true that if on Warfarin one cannot take any arthritis medications? If so, what should I do to deal with my RA?

Answer:

The main issue with having RA and needing warfarin is that certain medications that are used for RA may lead to further thinning of the blood and potentially bleeding problems. Drugs that can be taken without any problem while you are on warfarin include: prednisone, Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra, minocycline, methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine. antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, etanercept, infliximab, anakinra, These drugs do not thin the blood on their own and thus will not be problematic with warfarin. Drugs that you should avoid include aspirin and traditional NSAIDs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, piroxicam. These drugs do have effects upon platelets that can because further blood thinning on top of that already caused by warfarin. Thus, you have many very good options.