Overview
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and celecoxib, reduce pain and inflammation. They are widely used for osteoarthritis, gout flares, ankylosing spondylitis and as a short-term bridge in other forms of arthritis.
NSAIDs ease symptoms but do not change the course of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Watch and learn
Video: “Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: What’s the Difference?” from Cleveland Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Understanding Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis (OA) | Johns Hopkins Rheumatology” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
How it is used
- Taken by mouth or applied to the skin as a gel (topical NSAIDs may have fewer side effects)
- Use the lowest dose that helps for the shortest time needed
Who it may be for
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Gout flares
- Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis
- Short-term relief in inflammatory arthritis
Monitoring and safety
If you take NSAIDs regularly, your physician may check blood pressure and kidney function. Check with your physician before use if you have heart, kidney or stomach problems or take blood thinners.
Possible side effects
- Stomach upset, ulcers or bleeding
- Kidney strain and fluid retention
- Higher blood pressure and heart risk
- Interactions with blood thinners and other medicines
Do not start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your physician.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gel as good as a pill?
For knees and hands, topical NSAIDs may help with fewer whole-body side effects.
Can I combine NSAIDs?
Do not take two NSAIDs together.
What about acetaminophen?
It works differently, has different risks, and may be an option for some people.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.