Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using NSAIDs as follows:
- Discuss with your doctor regarding any previous allergic responses you experienced with any medication belonging to the NSAID group, such as, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Diclofenac Sodium.
- NSAIDs carries the risk of causing dizziness and confusion. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by NSAIDs.
- NSAIDs must be used cautiously in individuals with history of gastric ulcers, as intake of this medication can lead to increased exposure of the stomach lining to the action of gastric acid, leading to erosion of gastric mucosa and development of gastric ulcers. This response to NSAIDs can significantly increase, if NSAIDs were taken with alcohol and smoking. Avoid taking NSAIDs with alcohol. Quit smoking while you are using NSAIDs. Using enteric coated NSAIDs can help this situation. Maintain close watch for symptoms of abdominal pain and bleeding in the stool. This bleed in the stomach can also undergo partial digestion, when the color of the blood in stool can appear black. Report these symptoms to the physician immediately.
- NSAIDs must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals with history heart failure. Reduced renal function, secondary to NSAIDs intake, can contribute towards compromise in filtration of blood, leading to reduced formation of urine and fluid back up in the body. Fluid accumulation in the body can result in edema and weight gain. This backed up fluid can increase the fluid volume and workload on the heart that is already in failure, thus further worsening the cardiac function. Maintain a close watch for symptoms of worsening fluid retention, such as, edema, exacerbation of shortness of breath, and increased fatigue and report them to your physician.
- Do not change the dose on NSAIDs without consulting your doctor.
