Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve pain. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the most popular over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Although common and effective, these non-steroidal anti-inflammatories do have side effects. Keep reading as Ahlgrimm answers a few questions on the topic.
Q: What are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Many women use ibuprofen and similar medications to relieve menstrual aches and pains. Further, when taken correctly, these types of medicines are effective at relieving the pain associated with sprains, muscle aches, and headaches. Many people take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for arthritis.
Q: Are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen the only types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?
Marla Ahlgrimm: No, but they are the only ones widely available without a prescription. There are more than a dozen that must be prescribed by a doctor or other medical professional. These include oxaprozin, ketoprofen, and etodolac.
Q: What are the side-effects of taking anti-inflammatory drugs?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs block the COX-1 enzyme, it is not uncommon to experience stomach problems shortly after beginning an anti-inflammatory regimen. Many people will experience heartburn, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
Q: Do taking anti-inflammatories increase the risk of any health conditions?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Although they are considered safe for most people, those with cardiovascular disease are typically advised to limit their exposure to anti-inflammatories. This is because frequent and high doses put you in a higher risk of heart failure, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,