Dec. 19, 2021 | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are some of the most commonly used pain medicines in adults. They are also a common treatment for long-term health problems, such as arthritis and lupus. Most people are familiar with over-the-counter NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These drugs are more than just pain relievers. They also help reduce inflammation and lower fevers. NSAIDs block proteins, called enzymes, in the body that help make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a group of naturally occurring fatty acids that play a role in pain and inflammation. Be sure to tell your physician if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, asthma, or a history of kidney or liver disease, or have had ulcers in the past. People older than 65 years of age must be especially careful when taking NSAIDs. Also tell your doctor about other medications you are taking. NSAIDs may intensify or counteract the effects of some medications.

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Dec. 19, 2021 | Naproxen is typically prescribed to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. Classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, prescription naproxen may also come in an extended-release tablet, designed for pain caused by bursitis or tendinitis, or in a liquid. The over-the-counter form of naproxen, which goes by the brand names Aleve or Naprosyn, is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever. Individuals taking anticoagulants like warfarin should avoid naproxen because it also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding. Be sure tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding, as naproxen may harm the fetus and cause problems with delivery if it is taken around 20 weeks or later during pregnancy.

Dec. 19, 2021 | Aspirin is the most commonly known form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, effective in treating fever, pain and inflammation in the body. Unlike other NSAIDs, however, aspirin can be used to prevent blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Most patients benefit from using aspirin but serious side effects like nausea and cramping can occur and generally tend to be dose-related, so it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize any risks. Aspirin should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can aggravate both conditions. Children and teenagers should avoid aspirin for symptoms of the flu or chicken pox because of the associated risk of Reye’s syndrome, a serious disease of the liver and nervous system that can lead to coma and death. Any use of aspirin should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild tendency to interfere with blood clotting.

Dec. 19, 2021 | The drug acetaminophen, known commercially as Tylenol, is not an NSAID. It’s a pain reliever and fever reducer but doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs. However, acetaminophen is sometimes combined with aspirin in over-the-counter products, such as some varieties of Excedrin. Prescription-strength NSAIDs are often recommended for rheumatologic diseases or for moderately painful musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain. You may have side effects if you take large doses of NSAIDs, or if you take them for a long time. Some side effects are mild and go away, while others are more serious and need medical attention. Unless your doctor tells you to do so, don’t take an over-the-counter NSAID with a prescription NSAID, multiple over-the-counter NSAIDs or more than the recommended dose of an NSAID. Doing so could increase your risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn or stomach pain.