Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications used to relieve pains associated with inflammation. These drugs act by blocking the effects of inflammation that occurs in the lining of our joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be very effective in controlling the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Usually you will feel a benefit within hours of taking these drugs but the effect will only last for a few hours, so the tablets have to be taken at regular intervals for the benefit to continue. Some people find that these tablets are of little help, while others find that they help at first but the benefit begins to wear off after a few weeks. In this situation it sometimes helps to try a different anti-inflammatory drug – there are over forty available.
NSAIDs reduce both pain and inflammation. They are particularly useful if you have headaches, period pains, sprains and strains, or back pain. They are good for relieving the pain and swelling following minor injury. They also relieve pain and swelling of your joints if you have arthritis or any other rheumatic problem. However, they do not stop the progress of these diseases. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to tackle the underlying problem.
If your body tissues get inflamed or damaged, they release chemicals called prostaglandins at the point of injury. NSAIDs stop your tissues producing the prostaglandins and therefore reduce pain. They also lessen the swelling and inflammation produced by prostaglandins and other chemicals produced by tissue damage.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause a number of side effects, some of which may be very serious (See Side effects). These side effects are more likely when the drugs are taken in large doses or for a long time or when two or more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are taken together. Health care professionals can help patients weigh the risks of benefits of taking these medicines for long periods.
- If you take NSAIDs for prolonged periods (months), make sure you have regular check ups by your healthcare provider.
- Notify your healthcare provider if you regularly consume alcoholic beverages. Your medications may need to be modified.
- Serious side effects resulting in severe and even life-threatening illness (from such problems as bleeding ulcers and others) can occur without warning.
- Do not take other NSAIDs, including over the counter NSAIDs (Advil, Nuprin, Aleve) and aspirin, with this medications. Continuing the use of daily single low dose aspirin compounds for prevention of cardiovascular conditions is usually acceptable.
- NSAIDs can also affect other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, asthma and others. Make sure you have informed your healthcare provider about all your medical problems and all the medications you take (prescription and over the counter, including vitamins and homeopathic compounds) before taking this new medication.
- Since some NSAIDs can cause drowsiness; make sure you know how you react to the NSAID before operating machinery or other jobs that require you to be alert.
There are many other potential side effects, but these vary according to the drug chosen and the individual taking it. The other side effects are far less likely to occur.
Specific allergy to a NSAID can be quite dramatic, with rash, swelling of the face, and sometimes difficulty breathing. (If this happens you should call for help urgently.) As with other drugs, if you get a reaction which you suspect to be a side effect, stop taking it and check with your doctor. Sometimes, if the reaction involves an itchy rash and or swelling, it is worth trying an antihistamine in the meantime.
Some people with asthma react to the NSAIDs by getting more wheezy. If this happens you should stop the drug, and use your usual asthma medication, calling the doctor if this does not work.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may interact with a variety of other medicines. When this happens, the effects of the drugs may change, and the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who takes these drugs should let the physician know all other medicines he or she is taking. Among the drugs that may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are:
- Blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Digitalis drugs
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir).