As was reported by Rheumatology News - click here - it appears that the rate of stomach complications is on the rise again for arthritis patients taking non-selective NSAIDs.

Dr. Gurkirpal Singh said that this is because of decreasing use of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors without an increase in gastrointestinal protective agents.

Because of the cardiovascular risks associated with the COX-2 inhibitors, all but one has been taken off the market in the United States: Celebrex. COX-2 inhibitors allegedly reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications associated with traditional NSAID therapy.

A study published in the January, 2007 issue of Rheumatology, comes to similar conclusions. In terms of using preventative strategies for ulcers the "utilization of these therapies in high-risk populations is unacceptably low, even in recent years" the authors conclude. To read this study's abstract, click here.

Sometimes high doses of NSAIDs are needed to maintain relief from the symptoms of AS. This can pose a problem in that NSAIDs can cause significant side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, etc.) NSAIDs can cause reduction in the protective mucus in the stomach, which can cause stomach irritation. In time, this can lead to heartburn, gastritis as well as ulcers and even bleeding. People can take other medications to neutralize or prevent the production of excess stomach acid to help prevent these side effects (such as antacids), take drugs to help coat and protect the stomach (such as Carafate), or take medication to help restore the lost mucus (such as Cytotec).

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