Acetaminophen vs NSAIDS -

[hedgehog]

I've been told to stay away from the NSAIDS such as ibuprofen due to the hazard of kidney damage. (My labs already show the first, faint signs of damage - most likely an autoimmune issue). I was afraid of taking acetaminophen out of fear of liver damage, but if what I've read is correct, I can use the maximum OTC dose routinely without any harm. I know that acetaminophen won't do anything for the inflammation, but has anyone else tried it for arthritis flares?

[eShirl]

1. It will ease pain but not inflammation.

I think it's considered safer for long-term use than NSAIDS. My grandmother took it regularly for a couple decades for her arthritis pain.

Mainly people have to be careful they're not overdosing when taking other medicines that contain acetaminophen, like a lot of OTC cold & flu medicines these days, as well as some prescription painkillers. Always read the label!

[hedgehog]

2. I'm a label reader from way back - with all the allergies and asthma

in the family, I had to know decongestants from anti-histamines from cough suppressants. What surprised me after hearing for years of the hazards of over-dose was to do a little research and find out that (if I understand what I read correctly) I could take acetaminophen for years at the recommended dose with no harm. I'm on a drug to control inflammation (Plaquenil) but need something to help when I'm in a flare. That's when I feel it in the shoulders and ribs. (Technically, it's Costochondritis, not arthritis, and it could be a lot worse. At east I can breathe without too many problems!)

[Warpy]

3. Yes, but I've tried to keep the dosage low because my kidneys

have been slowly conking out since I was in my 20s.

Fortunately, I can tolerate aspirin so the combination tabs do a good job for me, it's the go to combination to knock out a migraine when I feel one getting started.

However, it does make me a challenge for pain control. That's why I'm living on Ultram these days. It's likely more damaging than opiates are, but it gives me no buzz and that's the best part about it.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Your question really requires a Dr.'s opinion.

There are other meds which help with inflammation.

You might also want to search for anit-inflammatory herbs, and check out the foods which should be avoided (sweet peppers,potatoes, tomaotes).