What are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs are a large group of drugs that have pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) effects, as well as the effect of reducing inflammation when used over time. The anti-inflammatory effects may take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to take effect. Non-selective (traditional) NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, aspirin, Nabumetone and Naproxen work by inhibiting both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to stop the production of prostaglandins, while COX-2 inhibitors only block the COX-2 enzyme. Common uses for NSAIDs are:
• Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis (inflammation and resulting pain of one or more joints, a common characteristic of over 200 rheumatic diseases with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) being the most common forms).
• Back pain and sciatica (pain down into the leg, which travels below the knee, and may involve the foot - may occur alone or accompanied by low back pain);
• Sprains, strains and rheumatism (a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities);
• Dental pain;
• Post-operative pain;
• Menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhoea - mild, and menorrhagia - heavy);
• Pain from kidney stones (renal colic);
• Reduction of fevers;
• Migraines (recurrent severe headaches generally accompanied by an aura (classic migraine), nausea, vomiting, and dizziness);
• Other painful conditions, particularly those with symptoms of inflammation.
NSAIDs come in different formulas and in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths. Some may work better for you than others. Your physician can help you find the dose and medication that works best for you. Tell your physician if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, asthma, or a history of kidney or liver disease, or have had ulcers in the past. People over age 65 must be especially careful when taking NSAIDs. Also tell your doctor about other medications you are taking. NSAIDs may intensify or counteract the effects of some medications. Both the risk and the severity of side effects increase the longer you take NSAIDs.
• Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis (inflammation and resulting pain of one or more joints, a common characteristic of over 200 rheumatic diseases with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) being the most common forms).
• Back pain and sciatica (pain down into the leg, which travels below the knee, and may involve the foot - may occur alone or accompanied by low back pain);
• Sprains, strains and rheumatism (a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities);
• Dental pain;
• Post-operative pain;
• Menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhoea - mild, and menorrhagia - heavy);
• Pain from kidney stones (renal colic);
• Reduction of fevers;
• Migraines (recurrent severe headaches generally accompanied by an aura (classic migraine), nausea, vomiting, and dizziness);
• Other painful conditions, particularly those with symptoms of inflammation.
NSAIDs come in different formulas and in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths. Some may work better for you than others. Your physician can help you find the dose and medication that works best for you. Tell your physician if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, asthma, or a history of kidney or liver disease, or have had ulcers in the past. People over age 65 must be especially careful when taking NSAIDs. Also tell your doctor about other medications you are taking. NSAIDs may intensify or counteract the effects of some medications. Both the risk and the severity of side effects increase the longer you take NSAIDs.
Other Tequin FAQs
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Q:
What is Bextra?
A: Bextra (Valdecoxib) is similar to Celebrex (Celecoxib) in the respect that it is a prescription COX-2 selective inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) … More -
Q:
What is the COX enzyme?
A: The cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme has two forms: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is found in a lot of cells all the time, notably the lining of the stomach where it regulates … More -
Q:
Is Bextra right for me?
A: You should not take Bextra if you: • Had asthma, hives or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or … More -
Q:
What should I tell my health care provider?
A: Tell your health care provider if you: • have heart problems or high blood pressure; • have liver or kidney problems; • have or had … More -
Q:
What is the problem with Bextra?
A: Preliminary studies have indicated that Bextra (valdecoxib), an arthritis drug manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., could potentially be one of the leading causes of Stevens … More -
Q:
Did the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) know about these allergic reactions?
A: Yes. The FDA announced on November 15, 2002, that it had received about 20 reports of serious reactions, including skin diseases [Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), … More -
Q:
What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
A: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity disorder that may be caused by a reaction to drugs (including Bextra), viral infections, … More -
Q:
What is toxic epidermal necrolysis?
A: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a form of SJS) is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by blistering of the mucous membranes (similar to Stevens Johnson … More -
Q:
What is exfoliative dermatitis?
A: Exfoliative dermatitis, also known as erythroderma, is an uncommon but serious skin disorder. Generalized exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the … More -
Q:
What is erythema multiforme?
A: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a serious inflammatory skin eruption (rash) caused by allergic reactions to many different things, including prescription and … More