How do anti-inflammatory medications help?
There are many anti-inflammatory medications available. They are called NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are often used to treat episodes of pain. The most commonly used are:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Diclofenac
They do have side –effects and are unsuitable for some people. You need advice if you have asthma, or a history of stomach problems and other health problems.
Side-effects from NSAIDs include stomach pains and nausea, headaches, tiredness and other more rare side effects.
There is very little difference between the medications but people tend to vary in their response to anti-inflammatory medications. One person prefers aspirin, another naproxen. Pain relief begins with the first dose and increases to maximum within a week. The anti-inflammatory benefits may take up to 3 weeks.