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Q&A – Over The Counter Drugs (NSAIDs)

Studies have shown that although over the counter medications – also known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)- such as cold and flu tablets, ibuprofen, or aspirin are safe enough to purchase without a prescription, they can be very harmful to our bodies if not taken correctly.
NSAIDs are taken in order to help relieve pain and discomfort.
As a result of consuming NSAIDs too often or on the wrong dosage, an increasing number of people are hospitalised with stomach ulcers, strictures, gastrointestinal bleeding and internal lesions.
A medical journal article published by the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2014, has proved that NSAIDs increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding by 12 times for a patient taking these drugs.
In the article, it states that approximately 20% of adults in the U.S take NSAIDs almost every day, and that 30% of regular users of NSAIDs may develop ulcers.
I conducted a Q&A and spoke to a Senior Registered Nurse (who preferred to remain anonymous) at the Canberra Hospital, specialising in endoscopy. Endoscopy units around Australia come across stomach ulcers and other damage as a result of people taking too many of these pain relief tablets, which are only supposed be taken for a short period of time.
Q: How often do you see stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and lesions as a result of people taking NSAIDs?
A: We see an acute case every six to eight weeks.
Q: Is the damage easily treated?
A: We are capable of treating anything that comes into our unit, but if the damage is already at a chronic stage sometimes it is very difficult for us to manage.
Q: How many days can NSAIDs be taken for?
A: No more than three. If people find that it’s not improving their pain then they need to go and see a doctor.
Q: Do people need to see a doctor before taking NSAIDs?
A: No, I don’t think it’s necessary for people to see a doctor before taking NSAIDs, but I do think people should be reading the dosage and instructions on the packet. If it says take it for three days, take it for three days and then stop.
It bothers me when I see ads on TV suggesting that mothers should feed nurofen to babies. They’re usually going to be taking it for teething pains. Panadol is the best thing for babies to help bring down fever and teething pain. Mothers can create all sorts of health problems for their babies unknowingly.
Q: Do you think NSAIDs should be made prescription only?
A: NSAIDs are very effective drugs and are safe to take if they are taken correctly, but because they are so easily accessible, people abuse them and this can result in acute conditions. So I do think they need to be made prescription only in order to try and regulate the way that they’re taken.
Q: What is your advice to people who take NSAIDs?
A: For pain relief take Panadol. Panadol is a very old fashioned drug, but taken as directed is a safe and effective way of managing pain for both children and adults and mustn’t be overlooked by fancier drugs that pharmaceutical companies put their shelves.
Taking these pain relief drugs is an effective way to manage pain. So, next time you’re feeling under the weather make sure you read the dosage instructions in order to maintain optimal health.
Written by Alison Hattley

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