ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS

Inflammation is a protective response of the body to infection, injury, or a chronic medical problem like arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medicines are available in 2 categories, steroidal and non-steroidal. They are prescribed to reduce inflammation. In addition, many people take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of the flu, headaches, and any time they have discomfort or pain.

Steroid anti-inflammatory medicines are powerful medications. They are based on hormonal substances, like cortisone. These medications have a stronger anti-inflammatory response than the non-steroidal medicines. They can be taken as pills, given through your vein, or injected directly, such as into a joint space, or into the eye.

There are many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are the most common ones.

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should be avoided by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory medicine. Acetaminophen can bring down a fever, or help with pain, but does not work for conditions caused by inflammation. Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

There are side effects to both of these groups of medicines. They include:

upset stomach
stomach bleeding or ulcers
high blood pressure
headache
dizziness or ringing in the ears
skin rash and
kidney problems

Long-term use of a steroidal anti-inflammatory can have more serious side effects. They include:

loss of bone leading to osteoporosis
cataracts or glaucoma
less ability to fight infection
swelling and weight gain
mood changes
high blood pressure and
increased blood sugar and diabetes

These side effects should not stop anyone from using the steroid anti-inflammatory drugs exactly as prescribed. They are an important treatment for some medical problems. They slow down or stop the inflammation. The dosage can be adjusted in an attempt to reduce the side effects. Steroids can be life-saving.

Steroids should never be stopped without talking with the healthcare provider. If it is necessary to stop steroids, the provider can suggest a way to taper off them. If steroids are stopped suddenly there are other problems that can develop.

Remember the provider needs to know anytime anyone is taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication. They may have side effects or interactions with other medications that may be prescribed.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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