NSAID Side Effects

I was inspired to write about NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) side effects this morning when I came across a forum user's signature line that said:

"Heart disease is THE #1 killer of Americans! Ask your doctor about taking aspirin daily."

First, I have no idea why this person is so excited about promoting aspirin. It doesn't seem like she has any financial interest in aspirin.

Second, if you're at risk of heart disease, aspirin is not a solution... it's a treatment. If you truly want a solution, try quitting whatever it is that's putting you at risk of heart disease!

But just so you don't go on thinking that "an aspirin a day" is an acceptable treatment for heart disease, let me elaborate on some of the well-known side effects of aspirin and other NSAIDs:

• Ulcers
• Intestinal Bleeding
• Stomach Bleeding
• Perforation of the Intestinal Lining
• Obstruction of the Stomach

Here's an excerpt from a good article I found on the dangers of NSAIDs:

"Aspirin and NSAIDs have been found to cause damage to the lining (or mucosa) of the digestive tract primarily in the stomach and upper intestine. This damage can result in an ulcer or intestinal bleeding. Although this can happen to an individual who is an infrequent user of aspirin or NSAIDs, it is of a much greater concern in frequent users, and those consuming higher dosages of these medications."

Did you catch that last part about "frequent users?" An aspirin a day isn't sounding all that good anymore, is it?

One last point and I'll quit. You can have many of the side effects caused by NSAIDs without even realizing it.

"An individual can develop damage to the intestinal lining without being aware of it—significant GI [gastrointestinal] bleeding occurs frequently without any symptoms being present.

"Of particular concern are patients with arthritic conditions. More than 14 million such patients consume NSAIDs regularly. Up to 60% will have gastrointestinal side effects related to these drugs and more than 10% will cease recommended medications because of troublesome gastrointestinal symptoms."

Think twice before you take an aspirin a day. And think twice when you come across common platitudes that are generally accepted as true... many times they are very dangerous.

Comments

[Reader]

Hi! I noticed your posting about NSAIDs and aspirin. People that are on aspirin for their heart on are low-dose aspirin (81mg) versus your general over-the-counter pain aspirin (325mg), which usually the one that can cause the GI problems. Most of the aspirins do come in the enteric-coated formulation, which helps to overcome the problem of GI bleeding. At the same time, this is why people are encouraged to take it with food or milk, or if it is possible, to switch to acetomeniphen (i.e. Tylenol). Of course, most people should not be on either long term unless they have discussed it with their doctors. People should also be warned that if they notice bloody stools, this is a possible sign of gastrointestional ulcers and they should stop the medication immediately and contact their doctor.

What you said about trying to treat the cause of the heart disease is absolutely right. In addition, to taking the mediciation, modify your lifestyle - exercise regularly and cut down foods high in fat or cholesterol as well as high in sodium.

[Judy Kettenhofen]

Aspirin, or ASA as it's known in medical circles, definitely has its downsides, as do the NSAIDs.

But they also have upsides. The .sig in the person's post said to discuss it with your doctor--not to take it outright.

Health and Medicine are not simple cause-effect equations. Nor are the drugs used. It's a balance--a balance of risk vs. benefits. For many people, especially those of "heart attack" age, routine low-dose ASA is beneficial and shown to be helpful in preventing heart attacks.

The only thing that surprises me, really, is why they don't recommend taking it to achieve peak blood levels after folks eat their heaviest, fattiest meal of the day, since blood lipid levels are shown to have significant increases afterward.

Should you, Ryan, in your mid-twenties, take low-dose ASA--doubtful.. Should I, some thirty years older and with familial hyper-cholestermia, it has been recommended advisable.

[Jonathan Graham]

See this is interesting here is a non-medical person giving medical advice ( NSAID's taken daily isn't recomended ) complaining about someone doing the same ( NSAID's taken daily are recommended).

First of all as other people have pointed out. The person isn't saying "take it" (although you do seem to be saying 'don't take it') they are saying consult your doctor (you don't seem to be saying that - otherwise what possible problem could you have with the advice?).

Second what your doctor will prescribe is (as other s have also pointed out) a low dosage (81mg) way less than what the studies are tracking ( by simple population density ).

Thirdly, you haven't done your research. Heart disease isn't the only thing you take asprin for. It's also for stroke prevention for risk groups.

Fourthly, you ignore entirely risk factors that you can't get off. Like age. Tons of diseases correlate strongly with age.

[Andrew Spark]

I came across your site and enjoyed my visit. Thank Your information about health care.

[Ryan Armstrong]

Your an idiot. There are thousands of controlled clinical trials that depict the benefits of long term aspirin administration in patients with many different cardiovascular risk factors. Your blog sounds more like sensationalist propaganda against medicine than an intelligent, thought-out discussion to help people make informed decisions about their health. Thier are inherent risks associated with all medications, which should never be neither under-, nor overstated. I just hope that none of the millions of the "at risk" population takes medical advice from you.

[Ryan Healy]

Thanks for calling me an idiot. I appreciate it.

I am not giving medical advice to anyone. I'm questioning the mainstream belief.

Jonathan made some good points in his comment. For instance, the risk factors that can't be avoided, like age.

In the end, you have to weigh for yourself what's best.

[Alexis Kenne]

Chest or arm pain or discomfort can be a symptom of heart disease and a warning sign of a heart attack. Shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air), dizziness, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), abnormal heartbeats, or feeling very tired also are signs. Chest pain or discomfort (angina ) is the most common symptom. You feel this pain when the heart is not getting enough blood or oxygen.

[Slim]

Though successful in treating numerous diseases and symptoms, NSAIDs are known for their harsh side effects. These include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, rash, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. Also, a 1998 US study shows that gastrointestinal complications following NSAIDs administration have claimed more lives than cervical cancer, asthma or malignant melanoma. These harsh NSAIDs side effects can be prevented with a common and gentle plant - aloe vera.