Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are among the most widely used drugs worldwide, available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others. Most NSAIDs, with the exception of aspirin, work by inhibiting the activity of a family of enzymes called cyclooxygenases, which drive inflammatory processes. But because these inflammatory processes can be beneficial in some contexts and because the drugs often elicit off-target effects, there are some concerns about their use. 

In this Aliquot, I describe current recommendations and concerns surrounding NSAID use. 

• (00:00) Introduction
• (02:58) Daily aspirin use and cardiovascular disease risk (clip from Q&A #9)
• (07:02) The pros and cons of low-dose aspirin (clip from Q&A #30)
• (11:43) Aspirin use and metastatic cancer risk
• (13:46) Aspirin vs other NSAIDs
• (15:20) Effects of ibuprofen on the kidneys, stomach, and muscles (clip from Q&A #14)
• (18:52) NSAIDs, heart attack, and stroke
• (20:04) Alternatives to NSAIDs

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