Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Drug Name
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Brand Name(s)
Advil®, Aleve®, Anaphen, Anaprox®, ®Ansaid®, Arthrotec, Aspirin®, Clinoril®, Daypro Surgam®, Dolobid®, Emulgel®, Feldene®, Froben®, Froben-SR®, Indocid®, Ketorolac®, Mobiflex®, Mobicox®, Motrin®, Naprosyn®, Naprosyn-SR®, Naprelan®, Orudis®, Oruvail®, Pennsaid®, Relafen®, Rhodis®, Surgam-SR®, Toradol®, Ultradol®, Vimovo®, Voltaren®, Voltaren-SR®, generics

Drug Class
NSAIDs and COXIBs

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) refers to a group of medications which are used for both inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA). Some examples of NSAIDs are acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), celecoxib, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and sulindac. NSAIDs can help relieve pain associated with many conditions and reduce inflammation. NSAIDs block enzymes that trigger inflammation to reduce pain and swelling. They can cause stomach upset and long-term use can cause stomach ulcers and increase your risk for heart disease and may have negative impacts on the kidneys. 

This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:

Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy 
Care Director, MedInfuse Health

Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health

We also thank previous expert contributor:

Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

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