What Is An NSAID And How Is It Used To Treat Pain Resulting From Osteoarthritis?

Dr. Berchman Austin Vaz answers the question: 'NSAIDs For Osteoarthritis Pain?'

ByABC News
November 19, 2008, 4:26 PM

— -- Question: What is an NSAID and how is it used to treat pain resulting from osteoarthritis?

Answer: NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis. The traditional NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen as well as many other generic and brand name drugs.

A new addition to the NSAID group are the COX-2 selective NSAIDs -- Celebrex or celecoxib is one such drug that is available in the US. Risk of NSAIDs include but are not limited to basically stomach problems like bleeding and ulcer, high blood pressure, fluid retention, heart and renal problems, as well as skin rashes.

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