Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Taking NSAIDs For Osteoarthritis? NHS Shares An Important Warning

nsaid for Osteoarthritis

More than 10 million adults, young people, and children in the UK are currently living with arthritis, according to a 2025 report by Arthritis UK. The NHS says osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition across the country.

<h2>NHS Issues Warning For People Taking <span rel="noindex">NSAIDs For Osteoarthritis</span></h2>

Osteoarthritis develops when joints become stiff and painful over time. Symptoms vary widely depending on the joint involved and the severity of damage. While medication is often used to manage pain and inflammation, the NHS warns that some commonly used treatments can carry risks if not taken correctly.

One of the most widely used options for pain relief is <span>NSAIDs</span>, a group of medicines many people rely on daily.

<h2>What Are NSAIDs And Why Are They Prescribed?</h2>

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed by GPs to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. They are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections. Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription.

<ul><li>ibuprofen</li><li>naproxen</li><li>diclofenac</li><li>celecoxib</li><li>mefenamic acid</li><li>etoricoxib</li><li>indomethacin</li><li>aspirin for pain relief (low-dose aspirin is not usually classed as an NSAID)</li></ul>

Doctors usually advise which NSAID is suitable and explain the potential benefits and risks. However, the NHS stresses that patients should also understand possible side effects and when to seek medical help.

<h2><span rel="noindex">NHS Warning</span> On Who Should Be Cautious With NSAIDs</h2>

The NHS advises that NSAIDs may not be suitable for everyone. Extra caution is needed if you have asthma, stomach ulcers, angina, or if you have previously had a heart attack or stroke. People taking low-dose aspirin should always speak to their GP before using an NSAID.

<h2>Who Should Avoid Or Seek Advice Before Taking NSAIDs?</h2>

You should consult a pharmacist or doctor before using NSAIDs if you:

<ul><li>are over the age of 65</li><li>are pregnant or trying to conceive</li><li>are breastfeeding</li><li>have asthma</li><li>have had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the past</li><li>have a history of stomach ulcers</li><li>have heart, liver, kidney, blood pressure, circulation, or bowel problems</li><li>are taking other medicines</li><li>are buying medicine for a child under 16 (aspirin should never be given to children under 16)</li></ul>

The NHS explains that NSAIDs are not always completely avoided in these cases, but they should only be used with medical advice, as the risk of side effects may be higher.

If NSAIDs are unsuitable, doctors or pharmacists may recommend alternatives such as paracetamol.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs generally cause fewer side effects than prescription-strength versions. However, risks increase when they are taken at high doses, used for long periods, or taken by older adults or people with underlying health conditions.

<ul><li>indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea</li><li>stomach ulcers, which can lead to internal bleeding and anaemia</li><li>headaches</li><li>drowsiness</li><li>dizziness</li><li>allergic reactions</li></ul>

In rare cases, NSAIDs can affect the liver, kidneys, heart, or circulation, and may increase the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes.

<h2>Taking NSAIDs Alongside Other Medicines</h2>

It is essential to seek medical advice before taking NSAIDs if you are already using:

<ul><li>another NSAID</li><li>low-dose aspirin or warfarin</li><li>ciclosporin</li><li>diuretics for high blood pressure</li><li>lithium</li><li>methotrexate</li><li>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram or fluoxetine</li></ul>

<h2>Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis</h2>

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints. Some people may also experience:

<ul><li>swelling</li><li>joint tenderness</li><li>a grating or crackling sensation when moving joints</li><li>pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity</li><li>enlarged or knobbly joints</li><li>reduced range of movement</li><li>muscle weakness or muscle loss</li></ul>

The NHS notes that osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint but most commonly involves the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands. Anyone with persistent symptoms should see their GP for diagnosis and treatment advice.

Even people who do not fall into higher-risk groups should only use NSAIDs as directed by a healthcare professional. Side effects can still occur, especially with long-term use. If NSAIDs are not appropriate, safer alternatives may be suggested to manage pain effectively.

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More than 10 million adults, young people, and children in the UK are currently living with arthritis, according to a 2025 report by Arthritis UK. The NHS says osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition across the country.NHS Issues Warning For People Taking NSAIDs For OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis develops when joints become stiff and painful over time. Symptoms vary widely depending on the joint involved and the severity of damage. While medication is often used to manage pain and inflammation, the NHS warns that some commonly used treatments can carry risks if not taken correctly.One of the most widely used options for pain relief is NSAIDs, a group of medicines many people rely on daily.What Are NSAIDs And Why Are They Prescribed?NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed by GPs to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. They are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections. Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription.Common types of NSAIDsThe most commonly used NSAIDs include:ibuprofennaproxendiclofenaccelecoxibmefenamic acidetoricoxibindomethacinaspirin for pain relief (low-dose aspirin is not usually classed as an NSAID)Doctors usually advise which NSAID is suitable and explain the potential benefits and risks. However, the NHS stresses that patients should also understand possible side effects and when to seek medical help.NHS Warning On Who Should Be Cautious With NSAIDsThe NHS advises that NSAIDs may not be suitable for everyone. Extra caution is needed if you have asthma, stomach ulcers, angina, or if you have previously had a heart attack or stroke. People taking low-dose aspirin should always speak to their GP before using an NSAID.Who Should Avoid Or Seek Advice Before Taking NSAIDs?You should consult a pharmacist or doctor before using NSAIDs if you:are over the age of 65are pregnant or trying to conceiveare breastfeedinghave asthmahave had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the pasthave a history of stomach ulcershave heart, liver, kidney, blood pressure, circulation, or bowel problemsare taking other medicinesare buying medicine for a child under 16 (aspirin should never be given to children under 16)The NHS explains that NSAIDs are not always completely avoided in these cases, but they should only be used with medical advice, as the risk of side effects may be higher.If NSAIDs are unsuitable, doctors or pharmacists may recommend alternatives such as paracetamol.Possible Side Effects Of NSAIDsOver-the-counter NSAIDs generally cause fewer side effects than prescription-strength versions. However, risks increase when they are taken at high doses, used for long periods, or taken by older adults or people with underlying health conditions.Possible side effects include:indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoeastomach ulcers, which can lead to internal bleeding and anaemiaheadachesdrowsinessdizzinessallergic reactionsIn rare cases, NSAIDs can affect the liver, kidneys, heart, or circulation, and may increase the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes.Taking NSAIDs Alongside Other MedicinesIt is essential to seek medical advice before taking NSAIDs if you are already using:another NSAIDlow-dose aspirin or warfarinciclosporindiuretics for high blood pressurelithiummethotrexateselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram or fluoxetineSigns And Symptoms Of OsteoarthritisCommon symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints. Some people may also experience:swellingjoint tendernessa grating or crackling sensation when moving jointspain and stiffness after periods of inactivityenlarged or knobbly jointsreduced range of movementmuscle weakness or muscle lossThe NHS notes that osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint but most commonly involves the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands. Anyone with persistent symptoms should see their GP for diagnosis and treatment advice.Even people who do not fall into higher-risk groups should only use NSAIDs as directed by a healthcare professional. Side effects can still occur, especially with long-term use. If NSAIDs are not appropriate, safer alternatives may be suggested to manage pain effectively.