NSAIDs

 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

 and their Possible Side effects

The Most Astonishing Health Disaster of the 20th Century

Ansaid

GI side-effects, renal problems

Arthrotec (Voltaren plus Cytotec)

May be GI side-effects. Cytotec itself may cause abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea.  Voltaren in the tablet may cause some GI irritation.  There  may be liver function abnormalities and changes in kidney function.

Cataflam
GI irritation including ulcers are a potential possibility, interference with renal function

Clinoril
 
GI side-effects, liver function abnormalities with cholestatic hepatitis, also changes in kidney function may occur.
 

Daypro

GI side-effects, kidney function changes
 
Dolobid
GI side-effects, kidney function changes.

Feldene
  GI side-effects, kidney function abnormalities
ibuprofen
(OTC forms are Nuprin, Medipren, Advil or Motrin IB)
 GI side-effects, kidney function changes

Indocin SR
 
GI side-effects, renal dysfunction Indocin is one of the more potent anti-inflammatory medications.  It is a highly effective anti-inflammatory medication, it does have a fair amount of GI irritation associated with it.  Some patients, especially those over age 65, have had difficulty tolerating Indocin because of its central nervous system side-effects which include headache and confusion

Lodine XL
GI side-effects, interference with renal function.  Low incidence of any liver function abnormalities

 Meclomen
GI side-effects including diarrhea, also kidney function changes

Meloxicam Mobic

 GI side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and gas,  gastro-inestinal ulcers with or without bleeding,  swelling in the ankles (edema), itching of the skin (pruritus) or rash, dizziness or headaches. Elevated liver functions in up to 15% of cases. In patients with marginal renal function, worsening of their kidney function may be noted after taking Mobic.

Nalfon
  Caution needs to be used particularly regarding renal function, also GI irritation
There have been infrequent cases of interstitial nephritis with this drug, flurbiprofen

Naprosyn

 GI side-effects, kidney dysfunction
 
Oruvail 

GI side-effects, kidney function changes

 Ponstel
GI symptoms, hemolytic anemia has been reported with prolonged usage of this drug.   Central nervous system side effects may occur with headache, dizziness, drowsiness, also kidney dysfunction.

Relafen
 GI irritation, kidney dysfunction, diarrhea (often dose related) 
  low incidence of GI problems
 

Tolectin DS

GI side-effects, kidney dysfunction
  

 Voltaren, Voltaren XR

GI side-effects, interference with renal function, possible change in liver function tests
 
 

 NSAIDS - Salicylate Drugs

 Anacin
 GI irritation, hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin with possible exacerbation of asthma  ringing in the ears with possible loss of hearing.

Tricosal
 Ringing in the ears with possible temporary loss of hearing, GI upset

Mobidin
 GI side-effects , ringing in the ears
   
Salflex
 GI symptoms still possible even though less irritating to the GI tract, ringing in the ears with possible temporary loss of hearing
  

"Each day, more than 30 million Americans take an NSAID for quick, easy pain relief from common ailments like headaches and arthritis. Because these drugs are easily accessible and can be very effective, there is a misperception out there that they have no risks," said Byron Cryer, M.D., lead investigator on the study and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. "In reality, there are serious side effects associated with inappropriate use that patients need to recognize."

"NSAIDs, including the pain medications aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, are one of the leading causes of stomach ulcers and have been associated with side effects ranging from stomach upset to stomach bleeding, which can be life threatening. In fact, NSAID use leads to more than 103,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths each year in the United States. That's more deaths than from AIDS and more than four times as many deaths as those from cervical cancer."

"The public can visit www.2REDUCE.org or call 1-888-2REDUCE to learn more about potential NSAID side effects and receive a complimentary brochure highlighting common risk factors, potential warning signs that a problem may exist and tips to help reduce one's risk. "
 

GastroIntestinal News
Article Date: 22 May 2004 - 0:00am (UK)

Steroids

Cortisone ,side effects:Osteoporosis, facial swelling (moon-face), easy bruising, cataract formation, elevation of blood pressure, elevation of blood sugar, difficulty sleeping at night, changes in personality or mood, thinning of the skin, muscle weakness

Decadron, side effects:This is a longer acting corticosteroid which  may have the potential for even more significant side-effects  
 

Prednisolone,Prednisone, Aristocort are steroids which are all capable of producing similar side effects to cortisone.Read more: Analgesics