NSAIDs
Relieve pain and fever, and reduce inflammation.
Why it gets prescribed
Commonly used for inflammatory pain, musculoskeletal pain, and some headaches.
What to watch for
Upper abdominal pain, black stools or vomiting blood require being seen immediately. This group also affects the kidneys and blood pressure with prolonged use.
Stopping — read this before you stop anything
This group is mainly for short courses. Long-term use needs supervision, not repeat purchases.
Tell the prescriber and the pharmacist
Mention stomach disease, kidney disease, heart failure, asthma, pregnancy, or any anticoagulant, antiplatelet, diuretic or blood pressure medicine. This is one of the most interaction-prone groups.
Worth asking
- Is this group suitable given my conditions
- For how many days is it appropriate
- Is there an alternative for me