What is an NSAID?NSAID stands for Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, which include commonly, used over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. These are drugs that people use everyday for common issues such as headaches, arthritis, cramps, or even as daily therapy for heart attack and stroke prevention.
What’s in a name? Know what’s in the Medications you take!
How do you know if you’re using an NSAID? Here is a list of the most common seen on over-the-counter shelves:
Aspirin (two brand names: Bayer, St. Joseph)
Ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin)
Ketoprofen (one brand name: Orudis KT)
Naproxen (one brand name: Aleve)
Side Effects
Common side effects for these types of drugs are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rash, headache, etc. However, the most serious side effects are:
Kidney failure
LIVER FAILURE
Ulcers
Prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery.
Who is at risk?
When used as directed or as prescribed by a doctor, these drugs are safe. Hepatotoxicity is uncommon, but persons with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease should avoid NSAIDs since the can worsen liver function. Also, persons taking other hepatotoxic drugs, persons with autoimmune disease should consult there healthcare professional before using NSAIDs. Your risk of hepatotoxicity with NSAIDs is increased when taken with other drugs that affect the liver, so understanding if NSAIDs are compatible with your medication is essential before using. Alcohol use is also a factor, if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, you should not take NSAIDs.
Importance of Communication
Many people may not think to list the commonly used drugs when talking with there healthcare professional, as they may not use these products everyday. Nevertheless, it’s important to ask or mention that you take Advil, Aleve or Bayer Aspirin for minor aches and pains when speaking with your healthcare professional to avoid any dangerous drug interactions and increased risk to your health and liver.
A Thought to Take Away
Diclofenac, and particularly sulindac, (both NSAIDs) are reported to be more commonly associated with hepatotoxicity
Common side effects for these types of drugs are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rash, headache, etc. However, the most serious side effects are:
Kidney failure
LIVER FAILURE
Ulcers
Prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery.
Who is at risk?
When used as directed or as prescribed by a doctor, these drugs are safe. Hepatotoxicity is uncommon, but persons with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease should avoid NSAIDs since the can worsen liver function. Also, persons taking other hepatotoxic drugs, persons with autoimmune disease should consult there healthcare professional before using NSAIDs. Your risk of hepatotoxicity with NSAIDs is increased when taken with other drugs that affect the liver, so understanding if NSAIDs are compatible with your medication is essential before using. Alcohol use is also a factor, if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, you should not take NSAIDs.
Importance of Communication
Many people may not think to list the commonly used drugs when talking with there healthcare professional, as they may not use these products everyday. Nevertheless, it’s important to ask or mention that you take Advil, Aleve or Bayer Aspirin for minor aches and pains when speaking with your healthcare professional to avoid any dangerous drug interactions and increased risk to your health and liver.
A Thought to Take Away
Diclofenac, and particularly sulindac, (both NSAIDs) are reported to be more commonly associated with hepatotoxicity
Some products contain both acetaminophen and aspirin (brand names: Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine, Vanquish), which could increase your risk.
Resources for You
http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm
http://www.wonderdrug.com/index.html
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/otc-medicines/862.printerview.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/painrelievers.html
http://www.fda.gov/CDER/drug/infopage/ibuprofen/adult.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/drug_induced_liver_disease/page8.htm
http://qjmed.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/96/11/787
I get mirgraines all the time and take Excedrin Migraine. I never knew it could be so dangerous! I wonder why so many people recommend this OTC med?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this blogger stressed the importance of sharing all the medications you take with your physician!!! I worked in the ER at a hospital in Austin, TX, and I saw so many cases where people got sick from various drug interactions. Even if you think taking things like ibuprofen or aspirin are very simple, you still must let your doctor know that you are taking them!! This will reduce the risk of any drug interactions you could have in the future.
ReplyDeleteWow this is very scary. I will be sure to let my doctor know EVERY medication I am taking, including vitamins and supplements. I wonder why this subject isnt taught more to the public. Hepatotoxicity from common drugs is an issue that should be taught to every one. Education can save lives!
ReplyDeleteMy 28 year old daughter takes excedrine on a daily basis for headaches due to multiple car accidents at age 16. She had her gallbladder removed January 2014 and since has been extremely sick all the time. She throws up usually at least once a day. Experiences nausea about daily. Has fatigue to the point of losing her job due to missing work from being sick or so tired she can't function. She also constantly has diareha. After reading this blog I am sick to my stomach with worry and will be making her call her Dr tomorrow. I would have never know of the OTC NSAID'S causing Hepatotoxicty without this information you have provided and we would have kept thinking all of these symptoms she has were from her gallbladder surgery in 2014 which also the 4 small insisions have never healed properly and still scab up. Thank you for this information. My Mother passed away at age 41 from Hepatotoxicity after getting sick on Monday going into a coma on Wednesday and dying on Friday all in the same week which we have believed for years that my Stepfather and my Mother's best friend caused her death by pumping literally hundreds of Vicoden into her the week before she died and it progressed so fast that the Dr's didn't even have time to do anything to help her. This was in 1989 and my Stepfather and Mom's best friend married 6 weeks after her death. Knowing what I have just read on your blog makes me believe even more that it was a non self inflicted overdose that caused her liver to shut down so quickly. And now I know what my daughter needs to be checked for as well. Thank you again for all of the time,effort and information you have provided in your blog.
ReplyDelete