Use Your Head When It ComesTo Pain Relief (NAPSA)—Taking a minute to read the label on your pain reliever could be good for your health. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most popular typeofpain relievers in America. Each year, people take about 30 billion doses to treat occasional headaches or sore muscles and the frequent pain of chronic conditions such as arthritis. NSAIDs are not habit forming and work well. They aren't expensive and can be purchased without a prescription or prescribed by your doctor. They are safe and effective for pain, fever and inflammation—for most. people. But NSAIDs can harm your diges- NSAIDs provide safe and effective pain relief for most people but it Important to read the label and use them wisely. including Motrin IB Sinus, and Nuprin. Signs of NSAID trouble include tive tract, especially if you ignore stomach pain that does not go protective coating of the stomach. tent that looks like coffee grounds. directions and take them too often. NSAIDs can interfere with the This allows stomach acid to harm the lining and leads to mild stom- ach upset or even ulcers and bleeding. People at higherrisk for problems are those whoareover age 60, have a history of stomach ulcers, take steroids such as prednisone, take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin} or drink alcohol daily. Never take more than the recommended dose, take the dose more often than recommended or combine two or more pain-relief medications, including low-dose aspirin. Don't use NSAIDs regu- larly for weeks or months. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include Advil, including Advil Cold & Sinus, Aleve, includ- ing Aleve Cold & Sinus, aspirin, Excedrin, ibuprofen, Motrin, away, dark black, tarry or bloody stools, or vomiting of blood or conEach year, problems from NSAIDs put more than 100,000 people in the hospital and result in thousands of deaths. You can reduce your risk by taking the time to read the labels carefully, following the package or doctor’s instructions and informing your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications and supplements you are taking, including aspirin and over-the-counter NSAIDs. If your NSAID use is causing problems, you have options for pain control. Consult with your doctor about switching pain relievers or trying medications that can reduce stomach acid. For more information or to order brochures, you can call (866) 519-3299 or www.gastro.org/patient. visit
