NON-STEROIDEAL ANTI-INFLAMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs)

If, as part of your treatment, you have been advised to take NSAIDs, carefully read this information in order to obtain the maximum benefit from them while minimising the risk. It is very important that if you have any questions you ask us, and that you keep NSAIDs and all other medication out of children’s reach and sight.

NSAIDs are used to treat pain and inflammation:

Do not take NSAIDs if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, NSAIDs or any other medication used to treat pain, fever, inflammation or arthritis.
Make sure that the NSAID you are going to take is compatible with any medication that you are already taking
Get in touch with us if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
Let us know if you have any bleeding or any blood clotting problems.
Remember that, as a general rule, NSAIDs must be taken with a gastric protector and a full stomach, and let us know if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers.

HOW TO USE NSAIDs

Take NSAIDs with food and a glass full of water. NSAIDs can also be taken with antacids or, even better, a glass of milk.
Take NSAIDs only for the period of time that has been prescribed to you.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible with food and water or milk. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do NOT take a double dose.

Gastritis due to the intake of anti-inflammatory agents

PRECAUTIONS WHEN TAKING NSAIDs

Do not take NSAIDs for prolonged periods of time (months), and make sure you have regular check-ups with us.
Tell us if you consume alcohol regularly. The doses of your medication may need to be modified.
Side effects can be severe (bleeding stomach ulcers) to the point of being life-threatening and may occur without notice. Make sure you know about these side effects so that you can identify them in time.
Do NOT take NSAIDs other than the one prescribed. The daily intake of a low-dose aspirin for the prevention of CVD is, however, usually acceptable.
NSAIDs may also affect other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney diseases and asthma. Make sure you have informed us about all your medical conditions and ALL medications that you are taking (prescription or otherwise and including vitamins, herbs and homeopathic compounds) before starting to take this new medication.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

There are a number of minor problems that may be associated with the use of NSAIDs. Nausea, indigestion or heartburn are common, but can often be prevented by taking the NSAID with a stomach full of water. Other side effects include diarrhoea, dizziness and/or drowsiness. These mild side effects are usually temporary, but if they persist or become a bother get in touch with us and stop taking the medication.

Heartburn is a common side effect of anti-inflammatory agents intake

Though rare, severe side effects can happen and affect several organs and systems. You must immediately stop taking the NSAID and get in touch with us if you notice any of the following:

Nausea, heartburn, or abdominal pain.
Bloody or black faeces.
Vomiting blood or stuff that looks like coffee grounds
Recurrent nosebleeds, bleeding from the mouth or gums, or any unusual bleeding.
Hives or swelling of the face, eyelids, mouth, lips or tongue.
Shortness of breath or difficulty to breathe.
Chest tightness or pain.
Sudden and unexplainable weight gain.
Sudden decrease in urine volume.
Seizures or convulsions.
High blood pressure.

Stomach and/or duodenum ulcer caused by the chronic intake of anti-inflammatory agents

A long-term side effect is osteoporosis: chronic intake of NSAIDs can promote and advance the onset of osteoporosis..

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