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Understanding Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Understanding Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDS)When your back hurts, your head aches or you have a fever, you take Ibuprofen or aspirin to feel better. Thesetypes of pain medications are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS.NSAIDS relieve pain and inflammation. They are used to treat any number of ailments including: Osteoarthritis,Rheumatoid Arthritis, headaches, fever, back pain, dental pain, and menstrual cramps.These medications are available by prescription or over the counter. The most common NSAIDS are Aspirin,Ibuprofen and Naproxen. You may have side effects if you take large doses of NSAIDS or if you take them fora long time. Common side effects include: heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, feeling bloated,increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of thesesymptoms.Some people are at a higher risk for more serious side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding from takingNSAIDS. If you are 65 years old, have high blood pressure, have heart disease, have kidney disease, haveAsthma, a stomach ulcer, take blood thinners, take certain medications for depression, if you smoke, and if youdrink alcohol regularly you may be at an increased risk. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any ofthese conditions before taking NSAIDS.NSAIDS are useful for relieving pain and inflammation. But remember to only take them for a short time and inlow doses. If you have questions about NSAIDS, talk to your healthcare provider.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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