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Overuse of Common Painkillers

Summary & Participants

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used by many people to relieve pain. However, since they are so commonly used, most people don't think twice about taking them. Learn why excessive use of these seemingly harmless medications can actually cause a variety of problems.

Medically Reviewed On: July 17, 2008

Webcast Transcript

BRYRON CRYER, MD: The various reasons it's important to read the label of either the prescription or the over-the-counter product is to figure out, is to know, how many times per day one should take the medicines. To know at what dosage interval one should take the medicines. To know what ingredients are within the medicine.

There are not a lot of NSAIDs that are available over the counter. There are only four: aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen. And so if you can remember those four medications and read all of the over-the-counter ingredients and over-the-counter products for one of those ingredients, it should be easy to know whether or not you're putting yourself at risk.

ANNOUNCER: Being aware of NSAID- related risks can be made much easier by consulting with health care professionals.

C. MEL WILCOX, MD: A lot of pharmacists now can give you information on the specific medication that you're taking so that you can realize if you are taking one of these NSAIDs. They also can tell you if the medication that you buy in the drug store over-the-counter may interact with the medications that you're already taking.

GEORGE TRIADAFILOPOULOS, MD: It is quite important to let your physician know about other drugs that are used. Many times there is a risk of combining two different classes of drugs that have the same damaging effect on the stomach. Therefore, it is very important to let your doctor know that, "Yes, I'm using aspirin," or, "No, I'm not." Or "Yes, I'm using this drug over-the-counter," or "No, I'm not," before your doctor can decide about what drug to prescribe.

ANNOUNCER: In the end the patient has to be the one who understands the potential for a problem.

C. MEL WILCOX, MD: The main thing people need to know about NSAIDs is that these are very effective drugs for amelioration of pain, but also there is a lot of misunderstanding that these drugs are safe. These drugs are safe. But if you take them in increased dosages or when you combine them with other medications that you're already taking, they can be dangerous. So education is very critical.

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