Tips on safe use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
What are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or medicines that help in relieving pain and inflammation. Most NSAIDs are used to treat acute as well as chronic pain. They can also reduce fever. Lower-dose versions are available over-the-counter. Higher doses may be prescribed for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The most common NSAIDs include:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Celecoxib
Nimesulide
Tips on safely using NSAIDs
1. Take NSAIDs with food to avoid gastric irritation and bleeding.
2. Do not take 2 different NSAIDs at the same time.
3. Do not take 2 doses of the NSAID together
4. Ask your doctor about selective COX-2 inhibitors
5. While taking NSAIDs, inform your doctor about your medical history along with any drugs or supplements you may be taking
6. All NSAIDs have some risk of developing heart disease which particularly increases if you have a pre-existing condition like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes. However, it may also increase in people without heart disease risk.
7. NSAIDs should not be used right before or after heart bypass surgery.
8. All NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. You’re more likely to have kidney problems with NSAIDs if you:
● are dehydrated
● are 60 years or older
● already have problems with your kidneys
● are taking other medicines that also affect your kidneys such as ACE inhibitors ARBs, or diuretics.
9. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first
10. Take your medication at the dose recommended by the healthcare professional for the required duration at the right time
11. Keep track of your doses and timing. Take only the recommended amount of medicine for the shortest period of time needed. Higher doses can make health problems more likely. Tell your healthcare provider if you take the medicine for 10 days or more.
12. Some NSAIDs can cause symptoms of asthma such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking NSAIDs if you have asthma.
13. NSAIDs can raise blood pressure in some people. Some people with high blood pressure (hypertension) may have to stop taking NSAIDs, if they notice that their blood pressure increases even if they are taking their blood pressure medications and following their diet.
14. During pregnancy, NSAIDs may increase the risk of miscarriage if used in early pregnancy (trimester 1 and 2). It is recommended to avoid the use of NSAIDs during early pregnancy unless the benefit justifies the risk
15. Don’t use NSAIDs at all during the third trimester because they may affect the large blood vessels and cause serious kidney problems in the unborn baby. NSAIDs can cause delay in labour and lead to problems during birth such as excessive bleeding.
16. Read all medicine labels before taking any medicine.