Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common pain relief medications used around the world. They help ease inflammation, fever, and pain. Some of the most common NSAIDs include Advil, Aleve, and Motrin, and taking several of these each day (almost like candy) is far from unheard of. However, the side effects that come from frequent use of NSAIDs have led to an increase in hospital visits and even deaths. What can you do to take NSAIDs safely and prevent damage to your body?
Side Effects of Too Much NSAIDs
Dr. Byron Cryer, MD, graduated from Harvard College and has a primary interest in general gastroenterology. More specifically, he specializes in acid-peptic diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Cryer is also a member of the Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs, a coalition of interested parties who educate people about the safe and appropriate use of anti-inflammatory drugs. The group has been around for five years now, and is comprised of doctors who specialize in pain, primary care physicians, nurses, nurse’s assistants, and researchers who all work together to get the message out.
The Alliance was formed out of need; more than 100,000 Americans are hospitalized each year from gastrointestinal bleeding or liver damage caused by misusing pain medicine, and around 17,000 end up dying. The overuse of NSAIDs is usually unintentional, and can be caused simply from misunderstanding the ingredients and limits of over-the-counter medication.
Avoid Misusing NSAIDs
Based on his research, Dr. Cryer has several helpful tips you can utilize to use NSAIDs as they were intended.
While overdosing happens every day, it tends to increase with certain times of the year such as winter or allergy season. It’s crucial to pay extra attention to how much medicine you are taking during these times. If you are experiencing pain, it can be easy to take more than one type of NSAID.
Too often one goes to the drug store immediately for pain medicine once they start to feel the onset of illness and experience the first symptoms. According to Dr. Cryer, more than 500 over-the-counter medicines exist that contain NSAIDs. They can be found in cold, pain, flu, and even sleep products. If you already take an NSAID for a headache or chronic pain, and take cold or flu medicine, you may be unintentionally overdosing on NSAIDs.
Patients who are advised to take aspirin for the prevention of heart and vascular problems should continue to do so. So-called baby aspirin (81mg) or even the larger 325mg dose can help treat risk of heart attack and stroke.
Complications from NSAIDs can present in many forms, but the most common symptoms include bleeding in the stomach or intestinal tract, passing blood in stool, stomach pain, and vomiting blood. Symptoms such as these should be treated seriously, and you should contact your physician as soon as possible. By following Dr. Cryer’s advice and being aware of what NSAIDs you may be taken, you can stay well below the maximum recommended dosage and reduce the risk of adverse side effects.
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How to Use NSAIDs Safely
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Dr. Byron Cryer obtained his B.A. degree from Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1982) and his M.D. degree from Baylor College of Medicine (1986) where he also obtained his internal medicine residency training from 1986-89. He obtained his gastroenterology fellowship training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (1989-92).
Since completing his fellowship training in 1992, he has been a member of the gastroenterology faculty. He is active in the gastroenterology professional associations and was an Associate Chairman of the Esophagus, Stomach and Duodenum section of the American Gastroenterological Association from 1997-1999.
Dr. Cryer's clinical interests are in general gastroenterology. His specific areas of interest are acid-peptic diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Specific disease states of interest are Helicobacter pylori-induced ulcer disease and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers. is primary research interest has been in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease.
His research focus has been clinically-oriented in that he has exclusively studied the pathophysiology of these processes in humans. Recent investigations have explored the mechanism of gastrointestinal toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within the stomach and duodenum. The most recent aspect of NSAID investigation has been an evaluation of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 specific NSAIDs.
Another area of investigation has recently evaluated the effects of NSAIDs in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Dr. Byron Cryer obtained his B.A. degree from Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1982) and his M.D. degree from Baylor College of Medicine (1986) where he also obtained his internal medicine residency training from 1986-89. He obtained his gastroenterology fellowship training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (1989-92).Since completing his fellowship training in 1992, he has been a member of the gastroenterology faculty. He is active in the gastroenterology professional associations and was an Associate Chairman of the Esophagus, Stomach and Duodenum section of the American Gastroenterological Association from 1997-1999.
Dr. Cryer's clinical interests are in general gastroenterology. His specific areas of interest are acid-peptic diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Specific disease states of interest are Helicobacter pylori-induced ulcer disease and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers. is primary research interest has been in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease.
His research focus has been clinically-oriented in that he has exclusively studied the pathophysiology of these processes in humans. Recent investigations have explored the mechanism of gastrointestinal toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within the stomach and duodenum. The most recent aspect of NSAID investigation has been an evaluation of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 specific NSAIDs.
Another area of investigation has recently evaluated the effects of NSAIDs in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Alonso Chavarriaga
Alonso is a long-time health and wellness advocate who loves to write about it. His writing spans the scope of blogs, educational magazines, and books, both on and offline.
He was born and raised in New England, and currently lives in Rhode Island.
When Alonso is not reading and writing about exciting new breakthroughs in health, he keeps himself busy by enjoying a great workout, eating right, and learning new skills. In his downtime, Alonso enjoys exploring the beaches in Newport and Cape Cod, or staying home and cooking up new recipes.