Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are medications used to treat different types of pain and arthritis.
Types of NSAIDs
There are over 20 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs available today for arthritis, including: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen(Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren, Arthrotec), indomethacin (Indocid), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobicox), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), tiaprofenic acid (Surgam), and sulindac (Clinoril).
COXIBs are a chemical class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug that have been developed to reduce the risk of certain rare but serious side effects like gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a COXIB.
Some NSAIDs like ibuprofin (Motrin, Advil) can be bought at any pharmacy “over the counter”, but most are only available with a prescription from a doctor.
Taking NSAIDs
Each NSAID is taken differently. Doctors and pharmacists will tell patients how to take their medication. Depending on the type and dosage, NSAIDs are usually taken once to four times a day.
Some patients notice the effects of NSAIDs within the first few hours after taking a dose. In other patients, the effects may not be evident for a few days, or even up to a week or two. If an NSAID hasn’t helped after 2 weeks then it is unlikely that it will be of much benefit to a patient.
Since there are many choices of NSAIDs, if one doesn’t work for a particular patient, it is usually the case that their doctor can give them another one to try.
Important Tests and Risks
NSAIDs are not recommended for patients that have an allergy to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) or to other NSAIDs.
NSAIDs should not be taken with other NSAIDs because it can increase the risk of stomach problems. Patients should be careful and talk to their doctor when taking NSAIDs with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Before starting an NSAID, patients should make sure their doctor knows if they have high blood pressure, or if their medical history includes heart disease, gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, or kidney problems.
Science
NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes known as cyclooxygenase (also known as COX). COX-1 and COX-2 are two very closely related variants of this enzyme.
In the study of genetics, COX is officially referred to by the long name prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase.
COX enzymes are used in the body to produce chemicals that cause the swelling and pain of arthritis. By blocking the COX enzymes, NSAIDs can reduce swelling and pain, and increase day-to-day function in arthritis patients.
Safety
In general, NSAIDs are fairly well tolerated by patients.
We have put together a special guide to help patients learn more about the relative risks of taking NSAIDs compared to common lifestyle risk factors like smoking: NSAIDs & Osteoarthritis: Putting Risks Into Perspective.
MORE COMMON side-effects include:
- Bloating, nausea, stomach pain, and heartburn.
- Diarrhea or constipation
RARE side-effects include:
- Allergic reactions such as skin rashes or wheezing
- Headaches, dizziness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Gastrointestinal Problems – NSAIDs can cause irritation to the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and intestine. Patients should notify their doctor if they experience any of the following:
- Any stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Black or bloody stools
- Vomiting blood or “coffee ground” material
- Fluid Retention – In some patients NSAIDs can cause fluid retention with swelling of the ankles and legs. They can also worsen a condition called congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients should tell your doctor if you have CHF or if they develop leg swelling.
- Increase in Blood Pressure – Patients’ blood pressure should be monitored periodically by a doctor while taking NSAIDs, specially if they have high blood pressure.
- Heart attack and stroke – Patients who have had a recent heart attack or stroke or experienced serious chest pain from heart disease should not take NSAIDs.
- Allergic rash – NSAIDs can rarely cause an allergic rash. Patients should stop the medicine and tell their doctor if they develop a rash, hives, or blisters.
Patients should talk to their doctor if they are concerned about any side effects.
NSAIDs can simply be stopped and do not need to be “weaned off” like some other medications.
People that should NOT be taking NSAIDs include:
- Those with asthma that is made worse when taking Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
- Patients who have had a recent ulcer in the stomach or small bowel
- Patients who have kidney or liver disease should use with caution and talk to their doctor
- Patients who have significant congestive heart failure
- Patients who have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or experienced serious chest pain related to heart disease should avoid NSAIDs
Certain groups of people that need to be careful while taking NSAIDs include:
- Elderly patients (over age 65)
- Patients who have had a previous stomach ulcer
- Patients who are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Patients who have significant risk factors for heart attack or stroke should be aware that using NSAIDs may increase this risk. These patients and anyone who lives with them are advised to learn how to identify the signs of heart attack and stroke.
Patients taking NSAIDs should call their doctor if they feel sick and want to stop, or if they are concerned about any side effects.
Other reasons to call a doctor while taking NSAIDs include:
- Rash
- Severe leg swelling
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, black or bloody stools
- Allergic reaction
Video
Watch Dr. Andy Thompson, a Canadian rheumatologist, introduce NSAIDs in this short video: