Anti Inflammatory Drugs Side Effects
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are probably the most widely used anti-inflammatory types of medicines. They not only help reduce inflammation and swelling, but they also help to reduce fevers and help to reduce the pain significantly. They can be used to treat arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain in women, and pain associated with various types of injuries. They do come with side effects, though, that can have an effect on different parts of the body.
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Cardiovascular Effects
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NSAIDs can cause your blood pressure to go up, leading to hypertension. It's also possible that they could cause your heart rate to increase as well. Abnormal rhythms of the heart could develop. Fluid may also build up in your body, causing your legs to swell, which is actually quite noticeable; in fact, if you do have a lot of swelling, pushing in with your fingers will leave noticeable pits in the swollen tissues.
Skin Effects
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If you are taking NSAIDs, you may experience itching of the skin or even a rash, especially if exposed to the sun.
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Gastrointestinal Effects
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Gastrointestinal effects have been a problem with NSAIDs, since they have been known to cause ulcers and bleeding. Ulcers can lead to certain complications, such as a perforated ulcer. If you take NSAIDs without food, it's possible that you could become sick to your stomach. You may lose weight and have pain in your abdomen, along with diarrhea or a buildup of gas. A more serious side effect is cholestatic hepatitis.
Genitourinary Effects
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It's possible that NSAIDs can become toxic to your kidneys, leaving a large amount of damage. You may begin having problems when trying to urinate, including burning or pain. You may have blood in your urine, or it may become more and more difficult for you to even excrete any urine. Eventually, your kidneys may shut down altogether.
Hematological Effects
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NSAIDs can cause various blood disorders. Excessive bleeding can become problematic after an injury or surgical procedure. Blood dyscrasias may develop, which is a condition of the blood or bone marrow that prevents either one from functioning correctly; an example might include leukemia or even a form of anemia called aplastic anemia, in which there is too much of a reduced number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Other Effects
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Other side effects related to NSAIDs might include ringing in the ears, a feeling of fatigue, dizziness, mental changes, such as confusion, and problems with vision.
Of course, it is vital that you discuss any side effects with your doctor, so that he can make any necessary changes in your medical regimen.
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