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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications only as recommended by your doctor, and according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
You may be given glucocorticoids (cortisone-like drugs) to reduce inflammation. Glucocorticoids are given in short, sometimes decreasing doses lasting a week or two. This helps you avoid the adverse effects of prolonged treatment. These doses are often quite effective at reducing inflammation, but should not be used when the inflammation is fighting off an infection.
There are many complications associated with this class of drugs. Even repetitive doses separated by long periods of time may eventually cause major damage. But one session of glucocorticoids should not cause serious problems.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
The standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be as effective as cortisone and are safer over the long run, although they do have side effects. The newer and more expensive selective NSAIDs (celecoxib and rofecoxib) are expected to produce fewer gastrointestinal problems. These drugs reduce inflammation by other pathways than the cortisone class of drugs. They are safer to use in the presence of infection. But may have other harmful side effects.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Aspirin, which reduces inflammation, is really the first of the NSAIDs. There are minor differences among the available anti-inflammatory agents in terms of dosing intervals, frequency of certain side effects, and other characteristics.
Possible side effects include:
Contact your doctor if:
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
References:
American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp .
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website. Available at: http://www.aofas.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1 .
American Podiatric Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.apma.org/s_apma/index.asp .
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed April 2009 by Robert Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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