Various treatments for ankylosing spondylitis are available to treat the condition, including anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.

How often have you gone to your doctor and talked about your ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treatment, only to leave feeling slightly more overwhelmed and confused? This infographic is meant to simplify the treatment process.

While living with AS can be demanding, finding out what types of treatment — along with the pros and cons of each type — shouldn’t have to be.

Many different treatments are available to treat ankylosing spondylitis. These include the following.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help ease pain and stiffness by reducing swelling and inflammation. You can purchase some of them over the counter (OTC) without needing a prescription from your doctor. NSAIDs include:

NSAIDs may cause certain side effects, such as:

  • indigestion
  • diarrhea
  • stomach ulcers, which can cause bleeding and lead to anemia
  • headaches
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • allergic reaction
  • in very rare cases, heart failure, heart attack, or stroke

Not everyone will experience side effects when taking NSAIDs, and they are usually safe for most people. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication for you and will avoid NSAIDs if it’s possible for them to worsen any of your preexisting conditions.

Your treatment plan will consist of weighing the benefits and disadvantages of any medication for your specific circumstances.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids help decrease inflammation and calm down flares. They work by lowering the activity of the immune system. Some examples include:

  • cortisone
  • prednisone
  • prednisolone

They may cause certain side effects, such as raising blood glucose, and other long-term side effects, including:

  • bone loss
  • cataracts
  • bruising
  • lower ability to fight infection
  • high blood pressure
  • inflammation

Biologics

Biologics, or biosimilars, work by blocking specific proteins in your body (cytokines) that cause inflammation. They’re used to treat joint arthritis and inflammation. These include:

  • certolizumab pegol
  • secukinumab
  • etanercept
  • adalimumab
  • infliximab

Not everyone with ankylosing spondylitis may need treatment with biologics. Many people manage the condition with anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or a combination of NSAIDs and physical therapy. However, healthcare professionals may recommend treatment with biologics if:

  • You have tried NSAIDs, and they haven’t eased your symptoms.
  • You’re not able to take NSAIDs because of stomach issues or other health conditions.
  • NSAIDs don’t ease your symptoms or improve your quality of life.

Biologics may increase your risk of infections by lowering your immune system response. They might also cause or worsen symptoms of IBD in people who already have the condition.

Here are some frequently asked questions about treatments for ankylosing spondylitis.

Various treatments are available for treating ankylosing spondylitis, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or biologics. The best treatment for you depends on your personal circumstances and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment based on your specific needs.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. They’re part of a class of drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and they include upadacitinib (Rinvoq) or tofacitinib (Xeljanz).

There is no permanent cure for AS, but multiple treatments are available to treat the conditions and alleviate symptoms, including corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and biologic drugs.

Multiple treatments are available for treating ankylosing spondylitis. Do reach out to your doctor for advice on the treatment that is best suited for your specific needs.