FDA Approves Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Pataday for OTC Use

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19, 2020 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three drugs for nonprescription, over-the-counter use -- Voltaren Arthritis Pain (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1 percent), Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine HCl ophthalmic solution/drops, 0.1 percent), and Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine HCl ophthalmic solution/drops, 0.2 percent) -- the agency announced Friday.

All three products will now be marketed as nonprescription drugs and will no longer be available as prescription drugs. For the drugs to switch to nonprescription status, data had to demonstrate the drugs' safety and efficacy for self-medication use as directed in proposed labeling, according to the FDA.

Study Probes Side Effects of Methotrexate, Used for Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 -- Many Americans battling autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis turn to a long-used drug, methotrexate, for relief.

But until now there's been little comprehensive research on side effects tied to the drug.

Certain Diabetes Meds May Lower Gout Risk, Too

MONDAY, Jan. 13, 2020 -- Medications called SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. And new research suggests these drugs may have an added benefit -- lowering the risk of gout.

Compared with people taking another class of diabetes drugs (GLP1 receptor agonists), those taking the SGLT2 drugs had 36% reduced odds of developing gout, the painful condition that usually starts in the foot.

Experimental Drug Could Be New Option Against Arthritis

TUESDAY, Dec. 31, 2019 -- A new drug might be able to save a person's knees from the ravages of osteoarthritis, researchers report.

People taking the drug, code named MIV-711, had less bone and cartilage loss than others given a placebo.