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
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