Toxic Effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs In The Treatment of Acute Pain and Inflammation

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates, the mainstream medicine treatment choice for pain and inflammation relief have severe side effects and lead to long term cellular and organ damage, even death. (2)

The 1990s brought a major increase in the prescription and use of opioid drugs for acute and chronic pain, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and fentanyl to only name a few. This has resulted in a large number of severe illnesses and deaths that could have been avoided. (1)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprophen, aspirin, naproxen, or diclofenac also come with serious side effects, such as gastric ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding, increased risk and incidence of serious cardiovascular disease, increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), liver and kidney failure, bone and cartilage destruction, and even death. (3)

It was largely estimated that about 107,000 patients are hospitalized every year with NSAID-related gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, myocardial infarction, along with cancer and other severely damaging complications. An estimated 16,500 patients suffering from arthritis die each year from NSAID-related issues. (2)

Addressing a possible leaky gut due to current or prior NSAIDs or opiate use will ensure proper detoxification from these previously administered pharmaceuticals as well as any toxic environmental exposure without creating a vicious cycle of recirculating these unwanted toxins. This can be accomplished with the administration of nutrients and herbs such as digestive enzymes, zinc, glutamine, fish oil, quercetin, and curcumin, along with other proprietary blends, including mixed probiotics to insure a healthy microbiome.

Administration of acetaminophen for fever in children between the age of 12-18 months may be associated with an increased likelihood of developing signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Also, children exposed to mother’s long-term use of paracetamol during her pregnancy were found with adverse developmental outcomes at 3 years of age. (7), (8)

It is important to choose an alternative system of pain relief and anti-inflammatory therapeutics from natural products especially from plants that can provide long lasting relief naturally with lesser side effects, if any. Designing personalized treatment plans that address each individual’s pain-causing problems along with improving the patient’s optimal, true health is equally important.

For more information and if you desire personal attention with an individualized treatment plan designed just for you, reach out to Dr. Stauceanu at www.4truehealth.com.

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References:

Manchikanti L et al.Opioid epidemic in the United States. Pain Physician. 2012 Jul;15(3 Suppl): ES 9-38
Vasquez A. Inflammation Mastery, 4th Edition, Chapter 3: Concepts and Therapeutics in (Nondrug) Musculoskeletal Care and Integrative Pain Management
Singh G. Recent considerations in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. Am J Med. 1998 Jul 27; 105(1B): 31S-38S
Topol EJ et al. Failing the public health -- rofecoxib, Merck, and the FDA. N Engl J Med. 2004;Oct 21;351(17):1707-9
Ray, WA et al. Cardiovascular risks of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in patients after hospitalization for serious coronary heart disease. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2009 May;2(3):155-63. Epub 2009 May 5. PMID: 20031832
G Sigthorsson et al. Intestinal permeability and inflammation in patients on NSAIDs. Gut. Oct 1998; 43(4): 506–511
Schultz, ST. Acetaminophen Use for Fever in Children Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Open Access. 2016 Apr ;6(2). Epub 2016 Mar 28. PMID: 27695658
Brandlistuen, R et al. Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: a sibling-controlled cohort study. Int J Epidemiol. 2013 Dec ;42(6):1702-13. Epub 2013 Oct 24. PMID: 24163279

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