Possible Side Effects of
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
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The most commonly used nonsteroidal agents prescribed in our practice are LODINE (ectodolac), DAYPRO (oxaprozin), RELAFEN (nabumetone), NAPROSYN (naproxen), VOLTAREN (diclofenac sodium), and ORUVAIL (ketoprofen).
Possible Side Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
The greatest risk from using anti-inflammatory agents is that of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding. This can occur at any time in patients using these medications, with or without warning. This problem is, however, rare.
Minor gastrointestinal problems such as dyspepsia are common with these agents. If you have a history of ulcer disease, consult your family physician and your surgeon before taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. If you develop an upset stomach, consult your physician before resuming use of an anti-inflammatory medication.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents can have adverse effects on the kidneys. If you have a kidney problem, consult your family physician and surgeon before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
A rare side effect from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications is liver damage. If you have a history of liver disease, consult your family physician and surgeon prior to using anti-inflammatory medications. If you are taking any anti-inflammatory medication on a regular basis for more than six months, you should consider talking with your family physician about having blood tests done to be sure this is not having an adverse effect on your liver or kidneys.
If you have a history of anemia, you should have a complete blood count done on a regular basis while taking anti-inflammatory medications. If you have difficulty with heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting, consult your physician immediately.
Some uncommon but possible side effects from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications also include headache, dizziness, drowsiness and lightheadedness, itching, sweating, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, swelling of the extremities, shortness of breath, palpitations, or thirst.
Concluding Guidelines
It is important to avoid alcohol while using any of the above medications (with the exception of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications).
While you are taking narcotic pain medications, it is imperative that you do not drive a vehicle.
If you feel that you are having a reaction to your medication, contact your physician. If you have been using any medication longer than six months, ask you physician if you should have blood tests performed.
See links below for possible side effects of other classes of drugs:
Narcotic pain medication
Anti-seizure medications, also known as anticonvulsants
Steroids
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
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