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NSAIDs may delay healing. If you develop any of the following signs of infection, stop taking the medication:

• An increase in pain
• Skin that is hot to the touch around the injury or wound
• Redness or red streaks extending from the injury or wound
• Pus that continues to form in the wound
• Fever with no other cause
• Swollen glands above the injury or wound

NSAID risks

• NSAIDs have the potential to increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, skin reactions, and serious stomach and intestinal bleeding. These risks are greater if you take NSAIDs at higher doses or for longer periods than recommended.
• Aspirin, unlike other NSAIDs, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It does carry the risks of serious stomach and intestinal bleeding as well as skin reactions.

Talk to your doctor about whether NSAIDs are right for you. People who are older than 65 or who have existing heart, stomach, kidney, liver, or intestinal disease are at higher risk for problems. For other people, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Do not take NSAIDS if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of pain medicine.

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before you use NSAIDs. It is especially important to avoid using NSAIDs during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. They can cause problems with the baby or the delivery.

Talk to your doctor before taking NSAIDs if you have:

• Ulcers or a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding.
• Stomach pain, upset stomach, or heartburn that lasts or comes back.
• Anemia.
• Bleeding problems.
• A habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day. This increases your risk of stomach bleeding.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney, liver, or heart disease.
• Any serious health condition.

Talk to your doctor before using NSAIDs if you take:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants).
• Lithium.
• Diuretics (water pills).
• Medicine for arthritis or diabetes.
• Aspirin to protect your heart.
• Any other drugs.

Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.