As our readers know, I am dead set against the use of NSAIDs. Over the counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are now being implicated in possible cardiac complications just as Vioxx and Celebrex have been. Of course, Bextra is on that list too.
Some of You Know but Don't Care
I understand that some of you will use NSAIDs to handle pain issues. For those with osteoarthritis who are using a high-quality liquid glucosamine product you should have your arthritis pain under control. That does not mean that you will not use NSAIDs for other pain issues.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
One major downside is that NSAIDs can cause a lot of gastrointestinal distress that can range from an upset stomach to intestinal bleeding. So the answer is to take proactive steps to protect yourself if you insist on using them.
Got Ulcers?
For those who suffer from ulcers, a doctor may be inclined to prescribe Cytotec which both reduces the risk and heals existing ulcers. Also, the FDA recently approved Prevacid NapraPac which contains both Prevacid and Naproxen together. Now, that sounds like a somewhat smarter approach to this issue if you insist on using NSAIDs.
Lower the Dose and Avoid Alcohol
Doctors often report that taking lower doses can avoid the stomach problems for NSAID users. And it goes without saying that consuming alcohol, in any form, when using them is risky. It can greatly enhance the chances of internal bleeding. Also, avoid increasing the number of pills you take. In this case, less is definitely better.
Use Food as the Platform
If you are going to use them, take them with food; it does not have to be a full meal but rather, can be a little bread or crackers with the NSAID. Hey, it's just softening the blow a little, right?
Other Medications and Potential Problems
For those on Coumadin or other prescription medications, you may be increasing the risk of internal bleeding when using NSAIDs.
Switch Brands
Some doctors also report that while certain NSAIDs will adversely affect someone, a different brand may not bother them at all. This is a tough issue. Which one is the safest?
Late Night is Best
If you have to use them, doctors say the best time to do so is later in the day. No one has given me a satisfactory reason for that but that is what they say. As always, be safe.
Our Shoulders Do Plenty and That is the Problem
It's funny, but before I got involved in the arthritis business after my own injuries, I used to think that our knees were the easiest joint to injure. Of course, I now know that our knees carry about four times our body weight so certainly they are at risk. However, think about the role your shoulders play in your life.
Arthritis-Fighting Drugs: The Ulcer Connection
If you read these chronicles, you know that I have constantly warned about the dangers of using NSAID's to tackle arthritis pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause serious problems and ulcers are one of them. When we talk about NSAID's, we can include products like aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin and many more. The newer group of NSAID's is also implicated. I am talking about Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra. The risk factor for ulcer complications is lower with the last group of prescription drugs but as most of you know, Vioxx was recently pulled from the market because of possible cardiac implications. Of course, the drug companies and the government are taking a closer look at the other two drugs in that category.
My Aching Elbow!
Most of us have been through this at one time or another. For a great many reasons, we can get hit with pain in our elbows that just drives us crazy.
