What are Anti-inflammatories?

Anti-inflammatories (also known as Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs) are a group of medications most commonly used as painkillers and to reduce inflammation or fever, though certain forms are used for other purposes, such as thinning the blood. Anti-inflammatories most commonly used in Australia include Voltaren (Diclofenac), Nurofen (Ibuprofen), Celebrex (Celecoxib), Ponstan (Mefenamic Acid), Meloxicam (Mobic), Indomethacin (Indocid), Aspirin (Cartia, Astrix). Anti-inflammatories reduce the production of “prostaglandins” , which are chemicals naturally formed in the body as part of an inflammatory process. Anti-inflammatories can cause serious side effects, so it is generally advised to use them for as short a time as possible.