All medications
Pain & symptom relief
NSAIDs
Brand names: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam, diclofenac (Voltaren), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ease pain, swelling and stiffness. They relieve symptoms but do not change the course of autoimmune disease.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Osteoarthritis, gout and pseudogout flares, axial spondyloarthritis, and symptom relief in many types of arthritis.
How it works
They block COX enzymes, which make prostaglandins, the chemicals that drive pain and swelling.
How it’s taken
Pills taken once or twice a day, or as a gel rubbed on the skin over a joint. Take with food.
Side effects
Upset stomach, heartburn, stomach ulcers or bleeding, fluid retention, higher blood pressure, kidney strain and, with long-term use, higher heart risk.
Monitoring
With regular use your doctor checks blood pressure, kidney function and blood counts. Topical gels have far less risk.
Good to know
Avoid combining two NSAIDs. Talk to your doctor first if you have kidney disease, heart disease, ulcers or take blood thinners. Avoid in the third trimester of pregnancy.
At a glance
Class
Pain & symptom relief
Brand names
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam, diclofenac (Voltaren), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.