Over the counter (OTC) Drug Therapy (anti-inflammatory):
N.B. We can only give general advice about OTC drugs; if you need specific information, or more detailed advice; you will need to speak to either a pharmacist, or your GP.
Do not stop taking your prescription without consulting your GP.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Corticosteroids (these wouldn’t be OTC) work in much the same way, both aim to reduce/halt the inflammatory process. This often also reduces the pain that is felt; but the healing process itself is hindered. For the best tissue healing, you want each phase of the process (Inflammation; Scar formation; Scar remodelling) to be full and efficient; if you reduce this, the healing process will take longer and be less successful.
Anti-inflammatory medications primarily act through prostaglandin levels to reduce the vascular effects that create oedema, and deliver white blood cells to the site of injury, and nutrients for the cells to work effectively. The raised temperature of oedema also helps fight any bacterial infection you may get from an open wound.
NSAIDs: have several possible side effects, including GI ulceration, nausea, diarrhoea, hypersensitivity, headache, anaphylaxis, depression, insomnia, tinnitus, vertigo; amongst others.
Corticosteroids: have many and more severe side-effects, including diabetes, impaired healing, stomach ulceration, pancreatitis, candidiasis, myopathy (muscle weakness), osteoporosis, avascular necrosis (AVN), tendon weakening/rupture, weight gain, depression, insomnia, co-dependence, psychosis, Cushing’s syndrome, ammenorhoea/dysmenorrhoea, glaucoma, cataracts, bruising, anaphylaxis, thromboembolism; amongst others. Corticosteroids would require a Dr’s prescription, and can be a “miracle cure” but we would advice full awareness of the risks of such treatment. Creams containing corticosteroids are also available OTC, and the above side-effects do not generally apply.
Common OTC NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Aspirin.
NB Paracetamol & Codeine are NOT NSAIDs, they are purely analgesic, their effects are different, as are their side-effects.