Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce inflammation. NSAIDS are generally the first medicines tried in people newly diagnosed with
psoriatic arthritis and those with mild disease.
Some common NSAIDs medications used to treat psoriatic
arthritis include:
- Aspirin (buffered, plain)
- Traditional NSAIDs:
- COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs, including celecoxib (Celebrex®).
Aspirin
Aspirin is used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, allowing patients to move more easily and carry out normal activities. It is generally part of early and ongoing therapy.
Side effects of aspirin can include:
- An upset stomach
- A tendency to bruise easily
- Ulcers
- Pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting.
Traditional NSAIDs
NSAIDs help relieve pain within hours of administration in dosages available over the counter. They relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation in dosages available in prescription form. It may take several days for these medicines to reduce inflammation.
Some side effects for all traditional NSAIDs include abdominal pain (or stomach pain), as well as abdominal or stomach cramps or discomfort; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness or lightheadedness; headache; heartburn or indigestion; peptic ulcers; nausea or vomiting; and possible kidney and liver damage (rare).
Before taking any traditional NSAIDs, let your doctor know if you drink alcohol or use blood thinners, as well as whether you have or have ever had any of the following: sensitivity or allergy to aspirin or similar medications, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, or peptic ulcers.
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