NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) and Arthritis
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) and Arthritis
NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- are a type of pain reliever. At prescription doses, these drugs also reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body's response to irritation or injury and is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs are used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain and inflammation, including arthritis and tendinitis. NSAIDs are also used to treat pain from injury or other causes of long-term pain.
NSAIDs that can be purchased over-the-counter include:
Ibuprofen is also available as a prescription at doses higher than the over-the-counter medications.
The following NSAIDs are available only with a doctor's prescription:
All prescription NSAIDs have a warning that the medications may increase the chance of having a heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding.
NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
There appears to be no fundamental difference in the ability of different NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. However, you might find that you get more relief from one NSAID over another and some NSAIDs may have fewer side effects than others. The effect differs from person to person. Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient, since they only need be taken once or twice a day.
The FDA has recently strengthened its warning that NSAIDs cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in higher doses. They have also been known to cause stomach bleeding. it is important that you be aware of potential side effects.
NSAIDs are safest when low doses are taken for brief periods. Side effects most commonly occur if you are taking large doses over a prolonged time (months or years). Some side effects are mild and go away on their own or after reducing the dose. Others may be more serious and need medical attention.
Over-the-Counter Anti-inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs that can be purchased over-the-counter include:
| BRAND NAME | GENERIC NAME |
| Advil, Motrin | ibuprofen |
| Aleve | naproxen sodium |
| Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin | aspirin |
Ibuprofen is also available as a prescription at doses higher than the over-the-counter medications.
Prescription Anti-inflammatory Drugs
The following NSAIDs are available only with a doctor's prescription:
| BRAND NAME | GENERIC NAME |
| Anaprox | naproxen sodium |
| Celebrex | celecoxib |
| sulindac | |
| Daypro | oxaprozin |
| salsalate | |
| diflunisal | |
| Feldene | piroxicam |
| Indocin | indomethacin |
| etodolac | |
| Mobic | meloxicam |
| Naprosyn | naproxen |
| nabumetone | |
| ketorolac tromethamine | |
| Vimovo | naproxen/esomeprazole |
| Voltaren | diclofenac |
All prescription NSAIDs have a warning that the medications may increase the chance of having a heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding.
How Do NSAIDs Work?
NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
Do All NSAIDs Work the Same Way?
There appears to be no fundamental difference in the ability of different NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. However, you might find that you get more relief from one NSAID over another and some NSAIDs may have fewer side effects than others. The effect differs from person to person. Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient, since they only need be taken once or twice a day.
What Are the Common Side Effects of NSAIDs?
The FDA has recently strengthened its warning that NSAIDs cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in higher doses. They have also been known to cause stomach bleeding. it is important that you be aware of potential side effects.
NSAIDs are safest when low doses are taken for brief periods. Side effects most commonly occur if you are taking large doses over a prolonged time (months or years). Some side effects are mild and go away on their own or after reducing the dose. Others may be more serious and need medical attention.