Aspirin and Arthritis

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KEY POINTS

• Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the joints, and sometimes, redness, swelling, and warmth.
• Aspirin works well as a painkiller for arthritis, but it does not prevent the long-term damage to the joints caused by some types of arthritis.
• Not everyone should take aspirin. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

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What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the joints. Sometimes it also causes redness, swelling, and warmth. In severe cases, the shape of your joints may change.

How does aspirin help arthritis?

Aspirin can help relieve pain and swelling (inflammation) caused by arthritis.

Not everyone should take aspirin. Daily use of aspirin can cause problems, such as stomach irritation, bleeding, and hearing loss. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take aspirin and if so, how much to take.

How does it work?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin is in a group of medications called salicylates. It works by stopping certain natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling, and blood clots.

Aspirin works well as a painkiller for arthritis, but it does not prevent the long-term damage to the joints caused by some types of arthritis.

Not all aspirin products are the same. Some forms of aspirin may irritate the stomach more than other forms. Liquid forms, coated tablets, and time-release tablets may cause fewer side effects. Some aspirins are labeled "arthritis strength" or "extra strength" because they are higher doses than other types of aspirin.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Aspirin may cause you to bleed more easily or longer than normal if you get a cut or have a nosebleed. Talk to your provider about how much aspirin you should take and any precautions that you should take while taking this medicine.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin.
• Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.
• Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, if you plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
• Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
• Tell your health care provider if you have or have ever had asthma, frequent stuffed or runny nose, or nasal polyps (growths on the linings of the nose). You may have an allergic reaction to aspirin with these conditions.
• Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
• Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. Do not take more than one kind of NSAID at a time.
• Tell your health care provider if you often have heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain and if you have or have ever had ulcers, anemia, bleeding problems, or kidney or liver disease.
• If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink.

There are additional ways to help with arthritis pain, such as other medicine, exercises, and behavioral therapy. Be sure to ask your health care provider if you need help controlling your arthritis pain.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

To learn more about arthritis, contact:

• The Arthritis Foundation
  800-283-7800
  http://www.arthritis.org