Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are drugs that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs that help reduce inflammation, which often helps to relieve pain. NSAIDs can be very effective. They tend to work quickly and generally have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, which also lower inflammation. Nevertheless, before you use an NSAID, you should know about the possible side effects and drug interactions. Read on for this information as well as tips on how to use NSAIDs safely and effectively. NSAIDs work by blocking prostaglandins, which are substances that sensitize your nerve endings and enhance pain during inflammation. Prostaglandins also play a role in controlling your body temperature. By inhibiting the effects of prostaglandins, NSAIDs help relieve your pain and bring down your fever. In fact, NSAIDs can be useful in reducing many types of discomfort, including: headache, backache, muscle aches, inflammation and stiffness caused by arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, menstrual aches and pains, pain after a minor surgery, sprains or other injuries. NSAIDs are especially important for managing the symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. NSAIDs tend to be inexpensive and easily accessible, so they’re often the first medications prescribed to people with arthritis. The prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex) is often prescribed for long-term management of arthritis symptoms. This is because it’s easier on your stomach than other NSAIDs.