Medication Guide for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)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 NSAIDswith longer use of NSAIDsDo 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 usewithout warning symptomsthat may cause deathThe risk of getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with:past history of stomach ulcers, or stomach or intestinal bleeding with use of NSAIDstaking medicines called “corticosteroids”, “anticoagulants”, “SSRIs”, or “SNRIs”increasing doses of NSAIDsolder agelonger use of NSAIDspoor healthsmokingadvanced liver diseasedrinking alcoholbleeding problemsNSAIDs should only be used:exactly as prescribedat the lowest dose possible for your treatmentfor the shortest time neededWhat are NSAIDs?NSAIDs are used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from medical conditions such as different types of arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other types of short-term pain.Who should not take NSAIDs?Do not take NSAIDs:if you have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAIDs.right before or after heart bypass surgery.Before taking NSAIDs, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:have liver or kidney problemshave high blood pressurehave asthmaare pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are considering taking NSAIDs during pregnancy. You should not take NSAIDs after 29 weeks of pregnancy.are breastfeeding or plan to breast feed.Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements. NSAIDs and some other medicines can interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Do not start taking any new medicine without talking to your healthcare provider first.What are the possible side effects of NSAIDs?NSAIDs can cause serious side effects, including:See “What Is the most important information I should know about medicines called Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?”new or worse high blood pressureheart failureliver problems including liver failurekidney problems including kidney failurelow red blood cells (anemia)life-threatening skin reactionslife-threatening allergic reactionsOther side effects of NSAIDs include: stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.Get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms:shortness of breath or trouble breathingslurred speechchest painswelling of the face or throatweakness in one part or side of your bodyStop taking your NSAID and call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms:nauseavomit bloodmore tired or weaker than usualthere is blood in your bowel movement or diarrheait is black and sticky like taritchingunusual weight gainyour skin or eyes look yellowskin rash or blisters with feverindigestion or stomach painswelling of the arms, legs, hands and feetflu-like symptomsIf you take too much of your NSAID, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.These are not all the possible side effects of NSAIDs. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about NSAIDs.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.Other information about NSAIDsAspirin is an NSAID but it does not increase the chance of a heart attack. Aspirin can cause bleeding in the brain, stomach, and intestines. Aspirin can also cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines.Some NSAIDs are sold in lower doses without a prescription (over-the-counter). Talk to your healthcare provider before using over-the-counter NSAIDs for more than 10 days.General information about the safe and effective use of NSAIDsMedicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use NSAIDs for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NSAIDs to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.If you would like more information about NSAIDs, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about NSAIDs that is written for health professionals.This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. July 2015