Does anybody know an alternative to 'Ibuprofen' that is good and kind to the stomach?

Question

I suffer from arthritis and now stomach problems caused by anti-inflammatories.

Answer 1

Ibuprofen has a good record as NSAIDS go, COX2 drugs are said to have less GI side effects, but there are concerns that that have a cardiac risk. In general there is a move away from giving NSAIDS routinely and long term because of their GI risk. The alternative is to give analgesics instead. The main issues with them however are tolerance and habituation.

Answer 2

Usually, long-term use of NSAID's cause stomach problems, or even ulcers :S

If you want a natural remedy for arthritis, try fish oil.

Also, check out a supplement called Serrapeptase.  It's an enzyme that's used for pain relief, inflammation, and arthritis.  In studies, it's said to have no side effects, and does not cause ulcers or stomach bleeding.

Serrapeptase: http://www.enerex.ca/products/serrapepta...

Or another popular product is SierraSil.  It's a mineral supplement from the Sierra Mountains that is used for arthritis, inflammation, and to recover faster from post-exercise stiffness

SierraSil: http://www.sierrasil.com/

Answer 3

dispersible paracetamol

[the doctor told me to use this as it was the kindest to your stomach]

Answer 4

It helps also to eat more foods that alkalize the body. When the PH balance of the body is more acidic this aggrivates inflamation making a greater need for pain meds that create stomach problems.

Eat more greens and less meat, squeeze a little lemon into your drinking water.

Olive oil has some pain relieving compounds

Also white willow bark is the herb from which aspirin is derived. It has anti inflamitory and pain releiving qualities without the same risk of bleeding and stomach upset that comes from aspirin although I would check out the website that lists some contraindications especially for those who are sensitive to salacylites.

Answer 5

I have tried them all ....and always had problems with my stomach...now I only take natural medicines....the ones I have found that are really good for arthiritis are omega 3  and glucosamine with chondrotin and msm....there better than anything else I have ever tried....

Answer 6

Omega-3 fish oils are always a good choice; since they're a food supplement, not a herbal one, they won't interact with any medications that you're already taking. And they've been shown to help with arthritis! I'd definitely take them if I were you.

As for the ibuprofen, it depends on why you take it. If you take it for the anti-inflammatory effect, aspirin is an alternative, but that also damages your stomach. If it's as a painkiller, paracetamol may be useful. But using it too often can also cause side-effects.

I think you should definitely see a doctor. They can make sure your stomach isn't too badly damaged, and they may be able to suggest an alternative that won't hurt your stomach.

Finally, please don't start taking any herbal medications without checking with your doctor. They can interact with other drugs, causing them to either not work, or to work too much - and both can cause problems. So it's crucial that you check with your doctor before taking a non-prescribed medicine.

Answer 7

White willow bark or guggul gum.

Answer 8

Tylenol.  

Cox 2 inhibitors such as celebrex can also be OK but you risk increased cardiovascular side effects such as those associated with Vioxx.