What adults over 50
should know
If you
are one of the many adults over 50 who suffer from back pain, arthritis or
osteoporosis, you know too well that pain can rule your day and prevent you
from doing daily tasks and fully enjoying life. OTC remedies can be effective
for managing your pain, but there are some important factors to consider before
taking an OTC pain reliever. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or
concerns.
Acetaminophen vs. NSAID
Acetaminophen
is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is the most common
active drug ingredient in the U.S. and is found in more than 500 OTC and
prescription medications. NSAIDs stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs. NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin. Both help
relieve pain by blocking pain signals within the central nervous system and
throughout the body. They are safe and effective when used as
directed.
Determining Which OTC Pain Reliever May Be Right for You
Acetaminophen
and NSAIDs may work differently in your body. Your age, certain health
conditions and other medications may all affect your pain reliever choice.
Understanding these differences could matter to your health. If you have:
·
High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease or Had a
Stroke - The American Heart Association identifies acetaminophen as a
pain reliever option to try first for patients with, or at high risk for, heart
disease.* If you have any of these conditions, taking non-aspirin NSAIDs like
ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may increase the risk of high blood pressure,
stomach bleeding or heartburn. Plus, if you take aspirin to help protect
against heart attack or stroke, taking ibuprofen may decrease the heart health
benefit.
·
Stomach Ulcers, Stomach Bleeding or Heartburn
- Acetaminophen may be a more appropriate choice of pain reliever
if you suffer from stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding or heartburn. Acetaminophen
does not irritate the stomach the way NSAIDs such as naproxen sodium or
ibuprofen can. If you have stomach ulcers or bleeding, or consume three or more
alcoholic drinks a day, the chance of stomach bleeding is higher if you take an
NSAID. While acetaminophen may not irritate the stomach, taking more than one
medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time or more than 4,000 mg in 24
hours can harm your liver.
·
Asthma - Acetaminophen
may be a more appropriate choice of pain reliever for many people with asthma.
If you have asthma that is sensitive to NSAIDs, taking one could make your
asthma worse.
·
Kidney Disease - The National
Kidney Foundation identifies acetaminophen as an OTC pain reliever of choice
for occasional use. If you have kidney disease, taking an NSAID may lead to
reduced kidney function.
·
Liver Disease - Ask
your healthcare professional before use if you have liver disease. Severe liver
damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours,
take with other drugs that contain acetaminophen, or have three or more
alcoholic drinks every day while using acetaminophen.
·
If You’re Over the Age of 60, taking
an NSAID to relieve pain or reduce fever can increase your risk for stomach
bleeding/ulcers. TYLENOL®, which contains acetaminophen, may be a
more appropriate pain reliever choice, depending on your health history and
other medications.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
1. Which
OTC may be right for me based on my health conditions, age and other
medications?
2. Do the
other medicines I’m taking have the same ingredient?
3. Could
this pain reliever interact with my other medications or vitamins?
4. What
are the possible side effects?
5. What
should I do if my symptoms don’t go away?
Now
that you know the facts - Get Relief Responsibly®.
* When
symptoms are not controlled without medicine
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