The main indication for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. without cortisone) is inflammation. They are therefore particularly effective in relieving inflammatory rheumatism whether acute or chronic. Corn NSAIDs are also widely used in reduced doses for their pain relief properties. Apranax, Arcoxia, Cébutid, Bi-profenid, Feldène, Nifluril … Under all these brand names and many others still hide different NSAIDs: naproxen, etoricoxib, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, piroxicam, niflumic acid. Ibuprofen is undoubtedly the most widely consumed NSAID molecule in France. It is both over the counter under the name Advil or Nurofen and on prescription under the name Antarène, Brufen …
Medicines that are active but not harmless
Their side effects are quite common and it is better to know them. The best known of these effects are digestive accidents. NSAIDs increase the risk of bleeding and digestive ulcers especially in people over 65. That is why, with these anti-inflammatory drugs, doctors routinely prescribe gastric protectors of the proton pump inhibitor family in people at risk.
Taking two anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time also seriously increases the risk of digestive accidents. Self-medication should therefore be practiced with caution. The second major type of accident due to NSAIDs concerns the cardiovascular system. In recent years, studies have shown that drugs in this class increase the risk of heart attack myocardium, hospitalization for heart failure orstroke. Even ibuprofen at a dose of 2400 mg per day (the maximum allowable dose which is double the usual dose) increases cardiovascular risk.
Distrust of vascular disease
In June 2015, the Academy of Medicine recalled that this risk concerned more particularly people with heart disease, arterial hypertension poorly controlled, peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease …
These drugs can also be toxic to the kidney. They are therefore not recommended in case renal failure.
Before taking an NSAID, especially in self-medication, caution is therefore in order. If you have the slightest doubt, you talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
No panic though. “The problems associated with NSAIDs are more related to the duration of the prescription than to the dose. Taking one of these molecules for two days is not dangerous”reassures Professor Serge Perrot. However, the specialist recommends always taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.
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