NSAIDs - Are you at Risk?
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are medications which, as well as having pain-relieving (analgesic) effects, have the effect of reducing inflammation when used over a period of time.
Everyone who takes NSAIDs can be at some risk for developing a stomach problem. If you are taking over-the-counter NSAIDs, then below are some factors that doctors think may make you most likely to have serious side effects.
If you take pain killers and any of the following apply to you, we suggest you visit your GP and ask his advice:
- Over the age of 60
- Have had previous ulcers
- Take steroid medications (such as prednisone)
- Take blood thinners (such as warfarin or Coumadin®)
- Consume alcohol on a regular basis
- Take NSAIDs in amounts higher than recommended on the bottle or by your doctor/pharmacist
- Take several different medications that contain NSAIDs
- Take NSAIDs for long periods of time
- Have asthma
If you've checked any of the boxes, mention this to your doctor or pharmacist on your next visit. Ask about how to lower your risk.
Remember that your pharmacist plays an important role in your healthcare team. Pharmacists help you understand your medications to make sure you are using them safely and effectively.
How well do you know your medications?
A 2003 survey showed that almost half of Americans who took over-the-counter NSAIDs in the last year took more than the recommended dose. This can happen by:
- taking the next dose sooner than directed on the label
- taking more tablets/capsules at a single time than recommended
- taking more than the recommended number of doses per day
- taking several different medications that contain NSAIDs at the same time
Even taking small amounts of over-the-counter NSAIDs can increase your risk of developing stomach problems. This includes taking daily, low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack, stroke, colon cancer or several other diseases.
How do NSAIDs cause stomach problems?
Problems caused by NSAIDs can range from mild stomach upset to stomach bleeding and ulcers. These problems occur because NSAIDs stop a substance in the body that protects the lining of your stomach from damage. At the same time, NSAIDs prevent the body's normal ability to stop bleeding.
Some people may be at higher risk for stomach problems. For example, older people are at increased risk because the normal protective substances in the stomach decline with age, making the stomach more vulnerable to the effects of NSAIDs.
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