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- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) are commonly used and prescribed for pain and inflammation control.
- Common names for frequently used NSAIDs include Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, Motrin, Indocin, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Celebrix, and Mobic.
- NSAIDs are frequently used to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, synovitis, and other inflammatory processes.
- While many different medications comprise this drug class, they share some common gastrointestinal (GI) side effects:
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- We recommend you take these medications after meals or with food to reduce the symptoms of GI upset.
- NSAIDs also may increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a history of ulcers, you should not take these medications unless your primary care physicians approves.
- For patients taking high blood pressure medication, you should continue to monitor your blood pressure more frequently while taking NSAIDs. Occasionally these medications can interact with your blood pressure medications and make them less effective. Let your primary care physician know.
- If you have heart or kidney problems, you should contact your primary care doctor before starting NSAIDs. Your doctor may elect to draw additional blood tests, to check your kidney and electrolyte function.
- Patients taking blood thinners, particularly Coumadin (Warfarin), usually are not given NSAID medications.
- Some patients experience headaches from these medications and/or dizziness.
- There are a number of much less common side effects that can involve the liver, kidneys, eyes, and bone marrow, but these usually occur when the medications are taken for prolonged periods of time.
- IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OTHER THAN MILD GI UPSET, THAT YOU STOP TAKING THE MEDICATION AND CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN.
