Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs NSAIDS are medications that mask your perception and decrease your body's response to fatigue, irritation, and inflammation but have no curative properties. There are several different classes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications of which one class will have the maximal efficacy for an individual depending upon their chemistry.

A representative of each class can be offered as a trial to evaluate its efficacy therefore result. Advil, Aleve, and acetylsalicylic acid are over-the-counter medications whereas Celebrex, Mobic, Lodine, Relafen, Daypro, Feldene, and Indocin are prescription medications. Only one class of anti-inflammatory at its appropriate dosage should be taken at a time.

All classes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications have risk gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric or duodenal ulcer formation, skin changes and rashes, cardiac risk, and long-term use without monitoring can result in permanent injury to the kidneys and liver. Simple testing and analysis such as urinalysis for proteinuria and blood testing for elevated hepatic enzymes are always recommended. With any signs of irritability, abnormal laboratory values or allergic phenomenon, these medication should be ceased.

Read carefully the medical information inserts inserted in all classes of NSAIDs appreciating all concerns and warnings. Use with anticoagulants such as Coumadin or Plavix is contraindicated. Always inform your physicians of your current medication, supplements, herbs, allergies to food and medication, and past reactions.