NSAIDs: Great Pain Relievers, But Use With Caution

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can ease sore joints, but they aren’t without potentially serious side effects.

When you need relief from your aches and pains, you probably don’t think twice about reaching for your bottle of ibuprofen or naproxen. These and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used medications in the U.S., due to their ability to ease pain. But that pain relief may come at a price. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects ranging from simple indigestion and heartburn to life-threatening ulcers.