What are they?
These prescription and nonprescription drugs relieve swelling, stiffness and joint pain by halting the production and release of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that lead to swelling and help transmit pain to the brain. They work best to ease symptoms of both types of arthritis, headaches, muscle aches, and dental pain.

Active Ingredients (Common Brands) – Prescription
Salsalate (Disalcid) and choline and magnesium salicylates (Trilisate)

Active Ingredient (Common Brands) – Nonprescription
Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin)

Common Side Effects
Abdominal cramps, pain, or discomfort, indigestion; heartburn; nausea; vomiting; and high blood pressure

Safe Use
Call your doctor if you have headaches or a ringing or buzzing in your ears. These may be signs that you’re taking too much of this medicine. Do not use it for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor.

Hidden Benefits
Aspiring is approved by the FDA to treat strokes and may prevent future cardiovascular events. It reduces the risk of death from heart attacks, helps prevent second heart attacks, and reduces the risk of heart attack in people with angina. It prevents ischemic strokes, the kind that happen when blood clots clog the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Preliminary evidence suggests aspirin users have fewer lung and breast cancers.

Not Recommended For
People with asthma, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, ulcers, or history of hemorrhagic stroke

Special Hints
Beware of aspirin products that smell like vinegar – they could be breaking down