More than 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK live with arthritis, according to a recent 2025 report by Arthritis UK. The symptoms and intensity of this condition vary depending on what type you have, but one medication people may take for it could have some serious side effects.
Osteoarthritis is listed as the most common type of arthritis in the UK, as stated by the NHS. This condition causes joints to become painful and stiff.
While symptoms vary, many people resort to medication to help ease pain and allow them to do daily activities. One common medication is NSAIDs.
Also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a person may be prescribed this by their GP as it works to reduce inflammation. NSAIDs are available as tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels and injections.
While some can be bought over the counter from pharmacies, others need a prescription.
The main types of NSAIDs include:
ibuprofennaproxendiclofenaccelecoxibmefenamic acidetoricoxibindomethacinaspirin for pain relief (low-dose aspirin is not normally considered to be an NSAID)
While your doctor will discuss with you the type of NSAID you should take and the benefits and risks associated with it, people should be aware of the side effects and know when they should seek medical advice.
The NHS warns: “They may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, such as asthma, a stomach ulcer or angina, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke. If you’re taking low-dose aspirin, ask your GP whether you should use an NSAID.”
Who can’t take NSAIDs?
Many people should be able to take this without an issue. However before you take it, it is worth asking your pharmacist or a doctor if you are going to take it and are:
are over 65 years of ageare pregnant or trying for a babyare breastfeedinghave asthmahave had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the pasthave had stomach ulcers in the pasthave any problems with your heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, circulation or bowelsare taking other medicinesare looking for medicine for a child under 16 (do not give any medicine that contains aspirin to children under 16)
It warns: “NSAIDs might not necessarily need to be avoided in these cases, but they should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional as there may be a higher risk of side effects.
“If NSAIDs are not suitable, your pharmacist or doctor may suggest alternatives to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol.”
What are the side effects of NSAIDs?
Like with any medication, there are risks involved. Over-the-counter NSAIDs generally have fewer side effects than stronger prescription medicines however these tend to be more common if you’re taking high doses for a long time, or you’re elderly or in poor general health.
Possible side effects of NSAIDs include:
indigestion – including stomach aches, feeling sick and diarrhoeastomach ulcers – these can cause internal bleeding and anaemia; extra medicine to protect your stomach may be prescribed to help reduce this riskheadachesdrowsinessdizzinessallergic reactionsin rare cases, problems with your liver, kidneys or heart and circulation, such as heart failure, heart attacks and strokesAlready taking medication?
It’s really important to get medical advice before taking an NSAID if you’re already taking:
another NSAIDlow-dose aspirin or warfarin – medicines used to prevent blood clotsciclosporin – a medicine used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis or ulcerative colitisdiuretics – medicines sometimes used to treat high blood pressurelithium – a medicine used to treat mental health problems, including bipolar disorder and severe depressionmethotrexate – a medicine used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritisa type of antidepressant medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – examples of SSRIs are citalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac)Do I have osteoarthritis?
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness, and problems moving the joint. Some people also have symptoms such as:
swellingjoint tendernessgrating or crackling sound when moving the affected jointsincreased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a whilejoints appearing slightly larger or more “knobbly” than usuallimited range of movement in your jointsweakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)
The NHS notes: “Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands. You should see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment.”
While you may not need to avoid them if you don’t fall into any of these groups, it is very important that people know they should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional, as there may be a higher risk of side effects. If NSAIDs are not suitable, your pharmacist or doctor may suggest alternatives to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol.