If you are taking aspirin together with Celebrex or Arcoxia, listen up. A study has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that specifically target COX-2 may blunt the anti-platelet action of aspirin. COX-2 is one of the forms of the enzyme cyclooxygenase which experts believe is responsible for inflammation in the body.

In a study conducted by University of Michigan, researchers found that the anti-blood clotting effect of aspirin was reduced when selective NSAID such as Celebrex was taken at the same time.

Aspirin, which is a non-selective NSAID, is commonly used by doctors for patients with heart-related conditions to prevent heart attack and stroke. It is estimated that some 50 million Americans take aspirin every day to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Celebrex and several selective NSAIDs such as Arcoxia, on the other hand, are used to treat arthritis and relieve severe pain. In the US, only Celebrex is approved for sale. Selective NSAIDs, however, have been found to promote the formation of blood clots and increase one’s risk of heart attack and stroke. Thus, individuals taking selective NSAIDs are often put on low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.

This research finding suggested that the practice of combining selective NSAID with low-dose aspirin (usually 81 mg) may not give the intended effect. In fact, it may even put patients who are more prone to cardiovascular events, such as those who are likely to suffer from a second heart attack, at a risk.

Citing previous studies in which a higher dose of aspirin taken with Celebrex have not found to cause abnormal blood clotting, the study proposed increasing the dosage of aspirin, or spreading out the time between taking low-dose aspirin and Celebrex to maintain the efficacy of aspirin. However, researchers also cautioned that high doses of aspirin could produce negative side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding when it is taken on a long-term basis.

In view of the possible serious complications of using NSAIDs, many people have turned to natural remedies with fewer side effects to reduce their reliance on conventional medicine. Omega-3 supplements are a popular choice as a number of studies concluded that omega-3 fatty acids reduce joint stiffness, tenderness and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It may also benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis since omega-3 is proven to be effective in decreasing inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory herbs such as Boswellia and Devil’s Claw which have been used for thousands of years also look promising in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a few preliminary studies. But more in-depth studies are required before results can be considered conclusive.

As every individual’s medical and body conditions are unique, always discuss with your physician first before self-medicating with any over-the-counter supplements.

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