NSAIDs Side Effects: The Risks They Don’t Tell You About

NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are medications that relieve or reduce pain. The best-known examples of this group of drugs are aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. All drugs have a risk of side effects, including NSAIDs. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of a drug before deciding to take it. Possible risks of all NSAIDs include, among others:

• Stomach problems like bleeding, ulcer and stomach upset
• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention (causing swelling, such as around the lower legs, feet, ankles and hands)
• Kidney problems
• Heart problems
• Rashes

There are several natural approaches to addressing chronic pain without the risks. Natural anti-inflammatory options you can take, which will not induce any health hazard are ginger, Omega-3 fats, curcumin, bromelain and Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO), among others.

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NSAIDs: The Painful Truth Behind Painkillers

By: Dr. Joseph Mercola

Are you or someone important to you suffering from pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, headaches, or a physical injury? Chronic pain can be very crippling, and it’s natural for anyone to seek ways to relieve it. Millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain take painkillers and believe it to be one of the primary methods for pain relief.

Today, 60 million Americans rely on a class of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, unaware that these medications can actually cause more harm than good.

Numerous studies link NSAIDs to detrimental side effects. Each year, over 100,000 people given an NSAID prescription are hospitalized, and about 15,000 succumb to death.

In 2000, Vioxx, a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was released in the market. A year before Vioxx was approved, I already warned the public about the cardiovascular risks associated with the drug. It took four years and 60,000 deaths (due to heart-related side effects) before warnings were heeded and Vioxx was removed from the market.

But it didn’t stop there. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned the public that NSAIDs, such as Cox-2 inhibitors Bextra (which was removed from the market in 2005) and Celebrex, along with other over-the-counter varieties like Aleve, Ibuprofen, and aspirin, all potentially lead to cardiovascular problems, GI bleeding, kidney problems, and increased blood pressure.

Pregnant women were especially warned against using NSAIDs. A study reported that prescription and OTC non-aspirin NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), and ibuprofen (Advil), increased their risk of miscarriage. These drugs suppress the production of prostaglandins that are needed for successful implantation of the embryo in the womb.

Other pregnancy-related side effects linked to NSAIDs include heart problems in the offspring, low amniotic fluid, and prolonged labor.

Be Pain-Free… Naturally!

The bottom line is, using a drug can come at a dear cost for your health. The good news is there are many other ways to get rid of pain without resorting to NSAIDs or other painkillers.

There are several natural approaches to addressing chronic pain. My newest recommendation is astaxanthin, due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Other natural anti-inflammatory options you can take, which will not induce any health hazard, are:

• Ginger – Works best when steeped in boiling water as tea or grated into vegetable juice
• Curcumin – Active compound of the spice turmeric
• Omega-3 fat from high-quality krill oil
• Bromelain – An anti-inflammatory enzyme that naturally occurs in pineapples
• Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) – This oil, found in fish and dairy butter, acts as a “joint lubricant” and an anti-inflammatory. I have used a topical preparation for myself to relieve ganglion cysts and a mild annoying carpal tunnel syndrome that pops up when I type too much on non-ergonomic keyboards.

• Evening primrose, black currant, and borage oils – Contain the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which helps relieve arthritis pain
• Cayenne cream – Derived from hot peppers
• Yoga, acupuncture, meditation, hot and/or cold pack application, and even the simple act of holding hands

More than anything, I firmly believe having a healthy lifestyle will eliminate the need for pain-relieving drugs, as your lifestyle choices can contribute to or help prevent any chronic condition. The first crucial step is completely avoiding NSAIDs and other painkillers – as well as other unnecessary drugs and medical procedures.

You can learn more about the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by checking out my infographic “NSAIDs: The Painful Truth Behind Painkillers.” Here I’ve provided a list of NSAIDs with their corresponding side effects, as well as other helpful information. I urge you to share this information with your friends and family, especially those who are suffering from chronic pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs may offer temporary relief for chronic pain, but this comes with a list of side effects ranging from gastrointestinal problems to cardiovascular problems and premature death. Learn the painful truth about these painkillers by checking out this infographic on NSAIDs. Use the embed code to share it on your website or visit our infographic page for the high-res version.

<img src="https://media.mercola.com/assets/images/infographic/nsaids.jpg" alt="NSAIDS " border="0" style="max-width:100%; min-width:300px; margin: 0 auto 20px auto; display:block;"><p style="max-width:800px; min-width:300px; margin:0 auto; text-align:center;">Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or <a href="http://www.mercola.com/infographics/nsaids.htm">NSAIDs</a> may offer temporary relief for chronic pain, but this comes with a list of side effects ranging from gastrointestinal problems to cardiovascular problems and premature death. Learn the painful truth about these painkillers by checking out this infographic on NSAIDs. Visit our infographic page for the high-res version.</p>