When you feel the familiar twinge of a backache or any of a number of other mild pains, chances are you reach for the bottle of Advil or other similar drugstore pain relievers. Advil is a drug in the medication class known as NSAID, an abbreviation for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications are commonly used for treatment of minor pain and fever. Because NSAID are so freely available, many people take their safety for granted. Although these medications are considered to be safe enough to be available over-the-counter, they’re not without their potential risks. What are the serious side effects of NSAID?
Side effects of NSAID: Bleeding from the digestive tract
Although many people realize that use of NSAID can cause stomach upset, fewer people know that these medications can lead to serious bleeding from the digestive tract. Although this is more common in people who have a pre-existing history of ulcers, it can also occur in a healthy person, particularly if it’s taken for prolonged periods of time or if the dose is exceeded. This symptom can present itself without warning and can be life threatening. NSAID should never be used for longer than seven days without the recommendation of a doctor and shouldn’t be taken by anyone with a prior history of peptic ulcer or bleeding from the digestive tract. It’s not worth the risk.
Side effects of NSAID: Kidney failure
Anti-inflammatory medications, including over-the-counter ones, inhibit the production of compounds known as prostaglandins which help to stimulate blood flow to the kidneys. When these prostaglandins are blocked by NSAID, the result can be kidney failure. This is more commonly seen with long-term use of NSAID and illustrates the importance of not using these medications longer than necessary.
Side effects of NSAID: Elevation of blood pressure
Use of NSAID can result in blood pressure elevations in both normal people and those being treated for hypertension. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that a group of women who took these medications twenty-two days out of the month were almost twice as likely to develop hypertension as those who didn’t. Even women who took them only a few times a month elevated their risk of developing high blood pressure.
Side effects of NSAID: Liver failure
People who have a history of liver disease should avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as they can worsen liver function. Although this is more likely to occur in those with prior liver disease, it can also occur in normal, healthy individuals. The risk goes up when these medications are taken with other medications metabolized by the liver. An article published in Internal Medicine News in 2008 showed a seven-fold increase in liver failure associated with NSAID in the state of California during 2008. This should motivate anyone to think twice about using NSAID for long periods of time.
The best way to prevent problems with NSAID is to avoid using them for longer than a few days and take only the recommended dose. Those who have medical problems such as liver disease, kidney disease, hypertension, or heart should consult a physician before taking these medications. Keep in mind that just because they’re in the drugstore doesn’t mean their safe.
