Hello,
I understand your concern. In your case, switching to Indocin would not be recommended. Indocin (
Indomethacin) is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug used for mild to moderate pain in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. However, it has a long list of side effects, among which weight gain.
Vicodin, on the other hand, being a combination of Tylenol and an opioid carries the risk of addiction. But this drug is more suitable for moderate to
severe pain, nevertheless, only recommended for short term use.
Treatment and pain management of
Rheumatoid Arthritis includes an array of alternatives that you and your doctor together have the possibility of finding and choosing what works best for you.
Non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen and celecoxib are good long term pain management alternatives.
Topical medication such as NSAID and
lidocaine creams are very good alternatives, with fewer side effects. Heat and cold patches are also proven to be effective in reducing pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
Wishing you good health and all the best.