NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are be used to treat many forms of arthritis-both osteoarthritis and inflammatory types of the disease. These are potent medications which can reduce joint inflammation and pain, but do not work to prevent joint damage.
It is important to note that NSAIDs can rarely cause serious cardiovascular, kidney or gastro-intestinal side effects, like stomach ulcers; for this reason, it is vital to speak with your doctor before adding an NSAID to any treatment plan for gout.
Examples of NSAIDs available without a prescription include ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®). Some more powerful NSAIDs require a prescription. These include naproxen (Naprosyn®). Some different NSAIDs are more commonly used than others to treat specific types of arthritis; for example, it is thought that one of the most powerful and effective NSAIDs for gout is indomethacin (Indocid®).
Cox-2 inhibitors are a newer class of NSAID, which work to reduce inflammation but do not carry the same risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is an example of a cox-2 inhibitor. It is important to note that, while cox-2 inhibitors cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects, research has shown that they have the same or higher risk of cardiovascular (heart) side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs.
Here is a list of commonly used NDSAIDs:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are be used to treat many forms of arthritis-both osteoarthritis and inflammatory types of the disease. These are potent medications which can reduce joint inflammation and pain, but do not work to prevent joint damage.
It is important to note that NSAIDs can rarely cause serious cardiovascular, kidney or gastro-intestinal side effects, like stomach ulcers; for this reason, it is vital to speak with your doctor before adding an NSAID to any treatment plan for gout.
Examples of NSAIDs available without a prescription include ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®). Some more powerful NSAIDs require a prescription. These include naproxen (Naprosyn®). Some different NSAIDs are more commonly used than others to treat specific types of arthritis; for example, it is thought that one of the most powerful and effective NSAIDs for gout is indomethacin (Indocid®).
Cox-2 inhibitors are a newer class of NSAID, which work to reduce inflammation but do not carry the same risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is an example of a cox-2 inhibitor. It is important to note that, while cox-2 inhibitors cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects, research has shown that they have the same or higher risk of cardiovascular (heart) side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs.
Here is a list of commonly used NDSAIDs:
- diclofenac (Voltaren®)
- diclofenac & stomach protector (Arthrotec®)
- ibuprofen (Motrin®)
- indomethacin (Indocid®)
- meloxican (Mobicox®)
- naproxen (Naprosyn®)
- celecoxib (Celebrex®)
Arthritis Consumer Experts
ACE thanks Arthritis Research Canada (ARC) for its scientific review of ACE and JointHealth™ information and education programs.