NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-

Inflammatory Drugs) and Arthritis

IN THIS ARTICLE

Over-the-Counter Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Prescription Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Do They All Work the Same Way?

What Are the Common Side Effects?

Who Is More Likely to Have Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding?

How to Lessen the Side Effects

How Are NSAIDs Prescribed?

Can I Take NSAIDs If I'm Being Treated for High Blood Pressure?

Who Should Not Take NSAIDs?

NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- are a type

of pain reliever. At prescription doses, these drugs also
curb inflammation.
Doctors use NSAIDs to treat many things that cause
pain or inflammation, including arthritis.

Over-the-Counter Anti-inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDs that you can buy without a prescription include:

BRAND NAME GENERIC NAME

Advil, Motrin ibuprofen

Aleve naproxen sodium

Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin aspirin

Never use an over-the-counter NSAID for more than 10 days

without checking with your doctor. Over-the-counter NSAIDs
are effective pain relievers, but they are intended for short-
term use. When taking NSAIDs for long periods of time, your
doctor should closely follow how youre doing so she can watch
for side effects and change your treatment if needed.

Prescription Anti-inflammatory Drugs

The following NSAIDs are available only with a doctor's
prescription:
BRAND NAME GENERIC NAME

Anaprox naproxen sodium

Cambia, Cataflam diclofenac potassium

Celebrex celecoxib

Clinoril sulindac

Daypro oxaprozin

Feldene piroxicam

Indocin, Tivorbex indomethacin

Mobic, Vivlodex meloxicam

Nalfon fenoprofen

Naprelan, Naprosyn naproxen

Vimovo naproxen/esomeprazole

Voltaren, Zorvolex diclofenac

diflunisal

etodolac

ketorolac tromethamine

meclofenamate

nabumetone

salsalate

All prescription NSAIDs have a warning that the medications

may increase the chance of having a heart attack, stroke, and
stomach bleeding.

Do They All Work the Same Way?

They all reduce pain and inflammation, but you might find that
you get more relief from one NSAID over another, and some
NSAIDs may have fewer side effects than others. The effect
differs from person to person.
Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient, since you only
need to take them once or twice a day.

What Are the Common Side Effects?

NSAIDs raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke,
especially in higher doses. They can also
cause stomach bleeding.
NSAIDs are safest when you take them in low doses for brief
periods. Side effects most commonly happen if you take large
doses over a long time (months or years).
Some side effects are mild and go away on their own or after
reducing the dose. Others may be more serious and need
medical attention.
Common side effects of NSAIDs include:

Stomach pain and heartburn

Stomach ulcers

A tendency to bleed more, especially when taking aspirin.

Your doctor might tell you to stop taking NSAIDs before
surgery. Ask your doctor before taking NSAIDs if you are
on blood-thinning medications (such as Coumadin).

Headaches and dizziness

Ringing in the ears

Allergic reactions such as rashes, wheezing, and throat

swelling

Liver or kidney problems. If you have

any kidney problems, you shouldnt take NSAIDs without
checking with your doctor.

High blood pressure

Leg swelling
Other side effects are less common.