Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

Welcome to The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust pain management service. This leaflet will provide you and your relatives with information about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It includes what these types of medication are used for, how they are taken and the risks of taking them.

This leaflet is not meant to replace discussion between you and your doctor, but as a guide to be used in conjunction with what is discussed.

What are NSAIDs and what are they used for?

They are medications used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain. However, this medicine does not cure arthritis.

They are available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquid medicine, creams, gel and injections. The main types of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac.

Some of these medicines are also used to relieve other kinds of pain, or treat other painful conditions such as:

Sprains, strains, other injuries
Gout – a type of arthritis where crystals form inside and around joints
Tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon
Bursitis – inflammation around joints
Menstrual cramps (period pains)

Some NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to reduce fever. NSAIDs may also be used to treat other conditions on the advice of a doctor.

What are the risks?

NSAIDs can cause side effects especially if used for a long period of time or in large doses. These include feeling or being sick, stomach irritation, stomach pain, bleeding from the stomach, bowels or back passage, rashes and respiratory problems. If they are used for a long time, they can cause kidney problems.

Some of the side effects are painful or uncomfortable. Others can be more serious and may need medical treatment.

Please tell your GP or healthcare professional if you:

have had any reactions or side effects from NSAIDs before
are allergic to any other substance such as food, preservatives or dyes
are on any special diet such as low sodium or low sugar as some of these medicines contain sugar and sodium

Certain side effects, such as confusion, swelling of the face, feet or lower legs, or a sudden decrease in the amount of urine produced, may be especially likely to occur in more elderly people. Elderly people are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of NSAIDs.

Elderly people are more likely than younger adults to get very sick if these medicines cause stomach problems. An NSAID called phenylbutazone can cause blood problems and these are more likely to occur in elderly people.

Pregnancy:

Do not use NSAIDs if you are, or think you might be, pregnant.

Children:

Ibuprofen has been tested in children six months of age and older. It has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. It is important that you discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine with your child’s doctor before using it.

How do I take NSAIDs?

Please take your painkiller as directed by your pain consultant or GP. There will also be information on the leaflet enclosed with the medication. Never share your medication with anyone else.

What if I have problems?

You can contact the clinical nurse specialists in the pain management team (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) by:

Calling 01384 244735 and leaving a message on the answerphone or
Ringing the switchboard number 01384 456111 and asking them to bleep the number 5064

Out of these hours, you will need to contact your GP or NHS 111.

Can I find out more?

The following website has more information about managing pain:

British Pain Society

https://www.britishpainsociety.org/british-pain-society-publications/patient-publications/

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Candice Baker, Ruth Carter, Kumar Vasappa. Review date January 2023. Next review date: October 2025. Version: 4. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01239.