NSAIDS

July 24, 2012
With over-the-counter drugs like Advil, Aleve, Motrin and aspirin filling the medicine cabinets of most households today, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t taken one of these drugs at one time or another.

NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) is a classification of drugs, whether prescription or not, that reduce inflammation, kill pain (analgesic), and reduce fever (anti-pyretic).  Originally designed to eliminate or manage pain associated with arthritis, NSAIDs are now used for all types of pain: from arthritis to muscle pain and headaches to fevers.  These drugs, which can be bought in any pharmacy, grocery or convenience store, have become such a part of our modern existence, we tend to use them without much thought or hesitation; assuming they are safe, since no prescription is required – while too often disregarding the health warnings.  I was one of these people who took my daily dose, until a few years ago when Motrin went from relieving my pain to kicking my ass!

NSAIDs, as harmless as they seem, can be damaging and even life threatening if taken too frequently or abused.  Problems, such as stomach irritation and ulcers, gastro intestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart risks and fluid retention are among the most recognized health risks associated with drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) and naproxen (Aleve).

For several years, I took two ibuprofen tablets a day, usually on an empty stomach with black coffee.  One day, after noticing abnormally dark stool (sorry, I know it’s gross!), I got myself to a doctor and discovered I had internal bleeding.  Somewhere, something along my gastrointestinal track was bleeding.  The doctor immediately sent me to the hospital where I was admitted, and then scheduled to have a procedure the next morning to diagnose and correct the problem.  It ended up I developed a bleeding ulcer in my duodenum – the first loop of the small intestine past the stomach.  The ulcer was caused by the irritation that occurred from taking too much ibuprofen.  Taking it without food made matters even worse.  Mental note: always take NSAIDs with food!

The minor surgery consisted of closing the bleeding hole with staples the doctor shot into my duodenum by going down my throat, past my stomach, and into my intestines with the medical equipment.  Thankfully, I was heavily sedated and didn’t feel the journey.  And, fortunately, he was able to reach it, and did not have to cut my gut open, but… it was still no picnic!

The three day recovery period in the hospital was even worse than the surgery.  Unable to eat for several days until the intestine began to heal was HELL.  I need to eat a lot throughout the day, and having to go without food for so long turned me into a bear.  Ask my wife!  Then, having lost so much blood from my bleeding ulcer during the week before surgery, I was severely anemic, which required a blood transfusion.  All this because of taking a couple over-the-counter pills everyday that look like M&Ms?!

Well, needless to say, I changed my lifestyle and habits, and have switched to using Tylenol, which is not an NSAID, (and does not require to be taken with food) when I find I absolutely need something for pain or headaches.  However, Tylenol, whose active ingredient and drug is acetaminophen, does not come without its’ own health risks.  Doses greater than what the label recommends are toxic to the liver and may cause severe liver damage.  The potential for liver damage is greatly increased when it’s used in addition to other liver damaging drugs and alcohol.  It won’t cause bleeding ulcers, but it can do a number on your liver.  So, as with NSAIDS and any other drug, follow directions and don’t abuse.

Back to NSAIDs… The labels do not list all the possible health risks and contraindications, so finding out which problems can occur is pretty much left up to us.  In an attempt to save you from learning the hard way like I did, take a look at the following list of conditions that warn against NSAID use, or at the very least, deserve a conversation with your doctor.

Notify your doctor before using any NSAID if you have any of these conditions:

  • allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
  • recent ulcer, stomach bleeding, or gastritis
  • acid  reflux
  • Crohn’s disease
  • ulcerative colitis
  • nasal polyps
  • low platelet count
  • decreased kidney function
  • decreased liver function
  • heart problems
  • history of stroke
  • asthma
  • chronic lung conditions
  • taking prednisone or any other steroid
  • taking blood thinners
  • drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day
  • drinking more than 7 alcoholic drinks per week
  • older than 65 years old

 

Just because NSAIDs do not require a doctor’s prescription to use, does not mean they aren’t serious, potentially harmful drugs.  We need to be responsible and use good judgment when using these or any drugs.  If you are taking excessive amounts of pain killers, see your doctor about the underlying cause of your pain, or for alternative medication.  Or, try using one of the many natural pain killers that every health food store offers.  Just don’t do what I did.  You may not be as lucky to restore your health… if you can call not eating for three days lucky!

by Aaron Marino

Featured video

If you’re one of the many plagued by the dandruff flake, then you know that dandruff is one of the most annoying hair issues today! If you’re really looking to stop dandruff flakes in their tracks, grab a dedicated dandruff-medicated shampoo like CONTROL that’s jam-packed with Coal Tar. We’ve tried them all, and bar none; Pete & Pedro’s dandruff shampoo is the best dandruff and anti-itch shampoo on the market today.
 

Pete & Pedro Control https://peteandpedro.com/products/control-anti-itch-dandruff-shampoo

Join 200,000+ email subscribers

getting exclusive advice every week

Connect With Me

My home with over 6 million subscribers

Follow for daily updates

Don’t expect any dancing!

Come say ‘hi’ on Facebook

Tweet along with me

Join my Facebook group

Listen to the alpha m. Podcast

6 million + YouTube subscribers, 1 billion + views.

Follow me on

ABOUT US

Aaron Marino (alpha m.) is the number 1 men’s lifestyle influencer with over 8 million followers combined across multiple social media channels.

On this website you’ll find all of alpha m’s content alongside more information about his businesses.

© 2021 I Am Alpha M. All Rights Reserved.