NONSTEROIDAL
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS
(N.S.A.I.D.S.)

Your Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists physician has suggested that you take a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. Although these medications are relatively safe and can be very helpful for a large number of inflammatory problems, they do have some relatively rare side effects.

The most common side effect, which is usually not serious, is heartburn or stomach upset. This complication can usually be avoided by taking your medication with food. If you experience this complication while taking the medication with food, you should notify your physician, who will most likely give you a different medication. If you have a history of ulcers or another serious stomach condition, you have a higher risk of having problems with anti-inflammatory medications. If you are not taking iron therapy and you notice that your stools turn black, discontinue the medication and notify your physician. Alcohol should not be used at the same time as anti-inflammatory medications, as it tends to increase the chance of developing ulcers. Do not combine NSAIDS with other similar medications, such as Aleve®, Advil®, Motrin®, etc.

Patients who are being treated for diabetes, heart trouble (such as congestive heart failure), high blood pressure or kidney disease and patients who are taking diuretics or anti-coagulants should only take anti-inflammatory medications under close medical supervision, usually supervised by their family physician or internist.

Patients who develop asthma or a skin rash as a result of taking aspirin should probably not take anti-inflammatory medications.

Recent medical research indicates that it is safer for patients taking anti-inflammatory medications to have periodic blood tests performed, to be certain they are not having any potentially serious reactions to the medication.

Depending upon your health history, your Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists physician may request that you have blood tests prior to the initiation of the anti-inflammatory therapy. Additionally, if you will be taking anti-inflammatory medications on a long term basis, your physician may recommend that you have periodic blood tests performed to be certain that you are not experiencing a potentially serious reaction.

Your family physician knows your general health and medication needs. If you are taking other medications, contact your family practice physician prior to taking NSAIDS. If you will be taking NSAIDS for more than 30 days, contact your family practice physician for possible blood work that may be necessary. If you are having difficulty taking the NSAIDS prescribed for you, please discontinue the medication and contact your family practice physician for possible substitutes.