You decided it was time to clean up the yard. You dug your golf clubs out and decided on 18 holes instead of 9.  Those pesky spring storms have caused a flair in your arthritis.

There are a number of drugs that you can take to relieve your pain- both over the counter and prescription.  Some of these types of medications are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are over 20 different NSAIDs in Canada. Three of them, ASA (Aspirin), Ibuprofen (Advil, Morin) and Naproxen (Aleve) can be purchased over the counter without even asking your doctor or pharmacist.  In many cases, they can be found in combination products with other cough and cold remedies making them difficult to identify.

These medications work well to reduce swelling and stop pain. They block substances called prostaglandins which cause pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, they can have some serious side effects and interact with other medications you may be using. NSAIDs increase your risk of bruising and bleeding, particularly for those:

• with a history of ulcers,
• on high doses,
• taking them for long periods of time,
• who are on other medications such as blood thinners.

For those who have Kidney Disease, NSAIDs can be problematic. They can worsen kidney function and can work against medications that may be beneficial to the kidneys such as those used to control blood pressure. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure and can also lead to fluid retention, particularly problematic for individuals with a weak heart.

It’s hard to know at which dose or length of use the heart risks of NSAIDs become relevant, but we do know that these drugs increase the risk of both heart attack and stroke particularly in those already at risk.

Many people feel that because these medications can be purchased without a prescription, they are safe. For many people, they serve a clear purpose: to relieve pain and inflammation. For others, they pose a serious risk. It’s always best to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether these or any medications are best for you. Take care of yourselves and each other.