Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to reduce swelling of joints and tissues throughout the body and to relieve pain. Anti-inflammatory medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, and corticosteroids such as prednisone or cortisol. While these medications may be effective in treating certain conditions, they may cause bothersome or serious side effects in some people.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may commonly cause abdominal upset and digestive disturbances. According to eMedTV, these side effects can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and gas.
Bleeding
NSAIDs are known to irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in the digestive tract. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, bleeding occurs because NSAIDs interfere with platelets' ability to clot blood. The only exception to this are a special type of NSAID called Cox-2 inhibitors, which are easier on the stomach and do not increase bleeding risk.
Swelling
According to Merck, NSAIDs cause fluid retention in approximately 1 to 2 percent of people. Kidney disorders and kidney failure can also occur in people who take NSAIDs on a regular basis. Oral corticosteroids may also cause swelling in the lower legs due to fluid retention, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Weight Gain and Cardiovascular Side Effects
With the exception of aspirin, NSAIDs may increase the risk of stroke, blood clots in the legs and heart attack, according to Merck. Higher doses and prolonged use of NSAIDs is associated with increasing risk of these problems.
Oral corticosteroids can cause weight gain, according to the Mayo Clinic. In particular, some people may develop deposits of fat on the face or back of the neck, or in the abdomen. Oral corticosteroids may also lead to increases in blood pressure. Sometimes, these drugs can also spur the development of diabetes, characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke.
Reduced Immune Function
Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can reduce your immune system function. Consequently, you may be at increased risk of developing bacterial, fungal or viral infections because your body is not able to respond normally. Wounds or injuries may also heal more slowly, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Eye and Skin Problems
Oral corticosteroids can cause an increase in pressure inside of the eyes. High intraocular pressure can subsequently cause the development of glaucoma--characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to partial or full blindness--or cataracts--a clouding of the lens of the eye that causes dim and distorted vision. Topical corticosteroids can cause a thinning of the skin, acne or the development of red lesions, while injected corticosteroids can cause pain, tissue loss and a change in skin color around the site of injection, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to eMedTV, NSAIDs may also commonly cause an unexplained skin rash.
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