Arthritis: Anti-Inflammatory Painkiller Drugs and Arthritis

What Are the Common Side Effects of NSAIDs? continued...

Common side effects of NSAIDs include:

• Stomach pain and heartburn
• Stomach Ulcers.
• General bleeding tendency increases while taking NSAIDs, especially aspirin. Your doctor might tell you to stop 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 may result from certain NSAIDs, including aspirin. This can usually be eliminated by decreasing the dose.
• allergic reactions such as rashes, wheezing, and throat swelling
• Liver or kidney problems. These problems can be evaluated by blood tests in people who take NSAIDs for prolonged periods. People with any kidney problems should not take NSAIDs without checking with their doctor.
• High blood pressure
• Leg swelling

Please note: The side effects listed are the most common ones. All possible side effects are not included. Always contact your doctor if you have questions about your particular medication or if you are experiencing any unusual side effect. Who Is More Likely to Develop Ulcers While Taking NSAIDs?

Anyone can develop an ulcer while taking NSAIDs. However, several of the following factors may place a person at higher risk for developing an ulcer while taking NSAIDs:

• Age over 60 years
• History of ulcers
• Cigarette smoking
• Multiple medical problems
• Use of anti-inflammatory steroids, such as prednisone, when taking NSAIDs
• Kidney failure (partial or complete)

How Can Side Effects Be Minimized?

There is no way to completely avoid the side effects of any drug, but there are strategies you and your doctor can use to minimize your risk of developing some side effects. For example:

• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of NSAIDs for pain relief that your doctor doesn't feel requires an anti-inflammatory.
• Take the minimal amount of aspirin or NSAIDs that you need for your condition.
• Take NSAIDs with food.
• If you don't need 24-hour a day relief, avoid one-dose-a-day types of NSAIDs, especially if you are over age 65. These medications stay in your system longer and may be less safe.
• Ask your doctor about taking a second drug that can reduce your risk of injuring the stomach. Options include Cytotec and acid blockers.

If you have persistent or unusual pain in your stomach after starting an NSAID, tell your doctor right away.

How Are NSAIDs Prescribed?

NSAIDs are prescribed in different doses depending on your condition. Dosages may range from one to four times per day, depending on how long each drug stays in the body. Your doctor may prescribe higher doses of NSAIDs if you have rheumatoid arthritis, for example, because frequently there is a significant degree of heat, swelling, redness and stiffness in the joints in RA. Lower doses may be adequate for osteoarthritis and muscle injuries, since there is generally less swelling and often no warmth or redness to the joints.

No single NSAID is guaranteed to work. Your doctor may prescribe several types of NSAIDs before finding one that works best for you.

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