What is the most important information I should know about medicines called Nonsteroidal Anti- inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?
NSAIDs can cause serious side effects, including:
• Increased risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk may happen early in treatment and may increase:
○ with increasing doses of NSAIDs
○ with longer use of NSAIDs
Do not take NSAIDs right before or after a heart surgery called a “coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)."
Avoid taking NSAIDs after a recent heart attack, unless your healthcare provider tells you to. You may have an increased risk of another heart attack if you take NSAIDs after a recent heart attack.
• Increased risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) of the esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), stomach and intestines:
○ anytime during use
○ without warning symptoms
○ that may cause death
The risk of getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with:
○ past history of stomach ulcers, or stomach or intestinal bleeding with use of NSAIDs
○ taking medicines called “corticosteroids”, “anticoagulants”, “SSRIs”, or “SNRIs”
○ increasing doses of NSAIDs
○ longer use of NSAIDs
○ smoking
○ drinking alcohol
○ older age
○ poor health
○ advanced liver disease
○ bleeding problems
NSAIDs should only be used:
○ exactly as prescribed
○ at the lowest dose possible for your treatment
○ for the shortest time needed
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