What is the most important information I should know about medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death. The chances increase:

  • With long use of NSAID drugs
  • In people who have heart disease
  • NSAIDs should never be used just before or after heart surgery called “coronary”.
  • Arterial bypass grafting (CABG). “ 

NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during  treatment. Ulcers and bleeding:

  • May occur without warning symptoms
  • May cause death

The risk of a person having an ulcer or bleeding increases with:

  • Taking medicines called “corticosteroids” and “anticoagulants”
  • Longer use
  • To smoke
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Advanced age
  • Have poor health

NSAID medications should only be used:

  • Exactly as prescribed
  • at the lowest possible dose for your treatment
  • For the shortest time needed
  • What are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

NSAIDs are used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) in conditions such as:

  • Different Types of Arthritis
  • Menstrual cramps and other types of short-term pain
  • Who should not take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)?

Do not take NSAID medication:

  • If you have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction to aspirin or any other NSAID medication
  • For pain just before or after heart bypass surgery

Tell your healthcare professional:

  • On all your medical conditions.
  • On all medications you take.
  • NSAIDs and some other medications can interact with each other and cause serious side effects.
  • Keep a list of your medications to show your pharmacist.
  • If you are pregnant. NSAIDs should not be used by pregnant women late in their pregnancy.
  • If you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor.

Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • slurred speech
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling of the face or throat
  • Weakness in one part or side of your body

Stop your NSAID medication and call your healthcare professional immediately if you have the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • There is blood in your stool or is black and sticky like tar
  • More tired or weaker than usual
  • Unusual weight gain
  • Itching
  • Rash or blisters with fever
  • Your skin or eyes are yellow
  • Swelling of arms and legs, hands and feet
  • Stomach pain
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Vomiting blood
  • These are not all the side effects of NSAID medications. Talk to your healthcare professional or pharmacist for
    more information about NSAIDs

Reference

Federal Drug Administaration