The NHS has issued an important message to people taking a common medication for osteoarthritis. According to Arthritis UK, over 10 million people across the nation suffer with the condition which involves inflammation of one or more joints.

Although there are multiple ways to treat arthritis, NSAID’s (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are the most common medication people use to cope. While some NSAID’s, including ibuprofen, can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, some are prescribed by a GP. They come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels and injections. 

As reported by OK!, the NHS urges people to make sure they take the NSAID that is suitable for them. The health service says it’s important for patients to understand the potential benefits and risks that come with their medication.

The NHS warns: “They may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, such as asthma, a stomach ulcer or angina, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke. If you’re taking low-dose aspirin, ask your GP whether you should use an NSAID.”

Most people can take NSAIDs without any issue. However, the following groups should check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking them:

  • are over 65 years of age
  • are pregnant or trying for a baby
  • are breastfeeding
  • have asthma
  • have had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the past
  • have had stomach ulcers in the past
  • have any problems with your heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, circulation or bowels
  • are taking other medicines
  • are looking for medicine for a child under 16 (do not give any medicine that contains aspirin to children under 16)

The NHS continues: “NSAIDs might not necessarily need to be avoided in these cases, but they should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional as there may be a higher risk of side effects.

“If NSAIDs are not suitable, your pharmacist or doctor may suggest alternatives to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol.”

Some stronger prescription NSAIDs can cause side-effects, particularly if you take high doses or use them for long periods. The possible side-effects include indigestion, stomach ulcers, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness and allergic reactions.

The NHS also advises getting medical advice before taking an NSAID if you are already on other medication. They include:

  • another NSAID
  • low-dose aspirin or warfarin – medicines used to prevent blood clots
  • ciclosporin – a medicine used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis or ulcerative colitis
  • diuretics – medicines sometimes used to treat high blood pressure
  • lithium – a medicine used to treat mental health problems, including bipolar disorder and severe depression
  • methotrexate – a medicine used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • a type of antidepressant medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – examples of SSRIs are citalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac)