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Tell your physician if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have high blood pressure, asthma, or a history of kidney or liver disease
• Have had ulcers in the past

People over the age of 65 must be especially careful when taking NSAIDs. Also tell your doctor about other medications you are taking. NSAIDs may intensify or counteract the effects of some medications. The risk and the severity of side effects both increase the longer you take NSAIDs.

NSAIDs work by preventing an enzyme (a protein that triggers changes in the body) from doing its job. The enzyme is called cyclooxygenase, or COX, and it has two forms:

• COX-1 protects the stomach lining from harsh acids and digestive chemicals. It also helps maintain kidney function.
• COX-2 is produced when joints are injured or inflamed.

Traditional NSAIDs block the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2, which is why they can cause stomach upset and bleeding as well as ease pain and inflammation.

Here are some common traditional NSAIDs:

NSAIDs come in different strengths and formulas. Some may work better for you than others. Your physician can help you find the medication and dose that work best for you.

Generally, you should take NSAIDs with food or a glass of milk and should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking NSAIDs.

COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex) are a special category of NSAIDs. These medications target only the COX-2 enzyme that stimulates the inflammatory response.

Because they do not block the actions of the COX-1 enzyme, these medications generally:

• Do not cause the kind of stomach upset or bleeding that traditional NSAIDs do.
• Do not offer the same kind of protection against heart disease.

If you are taking a COX-2 inhibitor, you should not use a traditional NSAID (prescription or over-the-counter). Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• Have had a heart attack, stroke, angina (chest pain), or blood clot
• Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Are sensitive to aspirin, sulfa drugs, or other NSAIDs

COX-2 inhibitors are not without side effects, which can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Indigestion

In rare cases, severe side effects, including abdominal bleeding, can occur without warning.

Antacids or a fatty meal can limit the body's ability to absorb and use COX-2 inhibitors, so do not take them together. 

NSAIDs are frequently used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. NSAIDs are relatively inexpensive and are frequently the first line of medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Very low doses of NSAIDs may be prescribed for people with cardiac (heart) disease.

COX-2 inhibitors are more expensive than traditional NSAIDs. They are often prescribed for long-term conditions such as arthritis because they may be safer for the stomach. However, some studies have not shown any difference between the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects from traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors.

Recent studies have indicated that both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors may have a delaying effect on bone healing, but the extent and importance of this effect is not yet known. Short-term use of NSAIDs after a fracture or orthopaedic surgery is generally safe.