Over the Counter Nsaids

Painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include Bayer AG’s aspirin products, Wyeth’s Advil, and Johnson & Johnson’s Motrin. Many companies also carry generic, or store brand NSAIDS. NSAIDs have not been shown to be effective in relieving the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia, although some patients report positive results.

Effectiveness

A Consumer Reports study ranked a number of NSAID medications in order of effectiveness, safety and cost and reported that these were the top three:

• Ibuprofen - costing an average $26 to $30 per month.
• Naproxen - costing an average $44 to $50 per month
• Salsalate - costing an average $26 to $35 per month

The full downloadable 15 page report can be purchased at this link:
http://www.crbestbuydrugs.org/drugreport_DR_Nsaids2.html (CR Best Buy
Drugs June 2005)

Side Effects

Check with your health care provider if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. If you have bleeding, clotting problems, ulcers, or have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding NSAIDS are not typically recommended. NSAIDS should be taken with food and 8oz. of water to avoid an upset stomach.

Stop taking this medication and call a health care provider if you experience:

• • Severe nausea, heartburn or abdominal pain
• • Bloody or black tarry stools
• • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• • Recurrent nose bleeds or bleeding from the mouth or gums or other
  unusual bleeding
• • Easy and severe bruising
• • Hives
• • Swelling of the face, eyelids, mouth, lips or tongue
• • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• • Wheezing

How to Take

Do not take NSAIDS if you have had a reaction to aspirin, or any over the counter NSAIDs or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling or arthritis. Speak to your physician and pharmacist before starting a NSAID if you take any other
medications in order to avoid a potential drug interaction.

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