There are two main types of anti-inflammatory medications used commonly: corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. Corticosteroids include oral, intravenous, inhaled and topical medicines both by prescription and, in lesser strengths, over-the-counter. They include such brand name medications as Prednicot, Aristocort and Deltasone. NSAIDs probably are more familiar to more people, because lower-strength OTC drugs such as Advil, Aleve and even aspirin are in common use. A stronger NSAID, Celebrex, is a prescription medicine often used to treat arthritis. Both of these types of medicines can cause side effects.
Intestinal Side Effects
Both corticosteroids and NSAIDs can cause problems with eating and drinking. Side effects from corticosteroids, for example, can include thirst and increased frequency in urination. These are classified as "less common" side effects, the Mayo Clinic states, but they are serious and you should report them to your doctor. Corticosteroids also can cause you to have an increase appetite and indigestion, but these are not considered serious and will fade as you use the drugs more. NSAIDs also may produce side effects in the gastrointestinal system. For example, some side effects of NSAIDs may include belching, indigestion and a sore or burning throat. Other common side effects of NSAIDS include nausea, heartburn, gas and an upset stomach.
Skin Side Effects
NSAIDs can cause some side effects that may affect your skin. Common serious side effects on the skin include itching, bruising, skin eruptions and rash. Related side effects may include swelling throughout your body, particularly in the lower part of your legs or feet, your fingers and your face.
Mental Side Effects
Corticosteroids may produce mental side effects that are not serious but are common and temporary. As you use the drugs more, these side effects should decrease. They include restlessness and nervousness. The Mayo Clinic notes that corticosteroids in general are not for long-term use, because they are very strong and can affect your immune system.
Other Side Effects
There are no other common side effects for corticosteroids, but there are some rare ones. If you have any adverse reactions to the drugs, tell your physician immediately. NSAIDs, however, do have other relatively common serious and non-serious side effects. Serious ones include breathing difficulties such as wheezing, shortness of breath and labored breathing, headaches, chest pain, chest tightness, a cough, a fever and sneezing. Non-serious and temporary NSAID side effects include nasal congestion, a runny nose, insomnia, pain in the back, noises such as buzzing or ringing in the ears that is continual, or a loss of hearing.
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