What is the most important information I should know about medicines containing Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?

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Increased risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk may happen early in treatment and may increase:

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with increasing doses of NSAIDs

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with longer use of NSAIDs

Do not take NSAID containing medicines right before or after a heart surgery called a "coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)."
Avoid taking NSAID containing medicines after a recent heart attack, unless your healthcare provider tells you to. You may have an increased risk of another heart attack if you take NSAIDs after a recent heart attack.

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Increased risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) of the esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), stomach and intestines:

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anytime during use

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without warning symptoms

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that may cause death

The risk of getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with:

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past history of stomach ulcers, or stomach or intestinal bleeding with use of NSAIDs

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taking medicines called "corticosteroids", "antiplatelet drugs", "anticoagulants", "SSRIs", or "SNRIs"

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increasing doses of NSAIDs

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longer use of NSAIDs

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smoking

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drinking alcohol

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older age

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poor health

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advanced liver disease

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bleeding problems

NSAID containing medicines should only be used:

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exactly as prescribed

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at the lowest dose possible for your treatment

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for the shortest time needed