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Dr. M. Listens

NSAIDS  SAID WHAT?

The other day a friend asked me about the class of drugs known as NSAIDS. ( Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) She had been having a problem with back pain and taking TYLENOL.  (this type of medicine is also known as an ACETAMINOPHEN…..(in the generic form). For some reason she didn’t want to switch to ADVIL (a member of this group)

Both  Acetaminophen and the NSAIDs are very good for the relief of pain. They are good drugs of choice taken in moderate doses and do an excellent job in pain relief.  However,AMINOPHENS when used  in excess, they are also a MAJOR cause of liver failure.

They are also often the drug of FIRST choice when inflammation is the problem. Examples of these pharmaceuticals are  ADVIL, NAPROXEN, IBUPROFEN etc. As with ALL . medications, a physician who is acquainted with YOUR medical history can prescribe these best  Kidney failure can occur in one with  a compromised kidney system..

Since I was not my friend’s MD, I couldn’t say whether she should  change .  Generally speaking however, those bought over the counter are safe because  the amount available is often too low to be a problem.

Do you have a concern?  Talk to me………..Dr. M. Listens