In brief
Chemicals made by injured cells that drive pain and inflammation. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen work by stopping cells from making them.
- Do not take two NSAID products at once, such as one for a headache and another in a cold medicine.
- Older people should not use NSAIDs on a regular basis, according to the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.
- NSAIDs can help improve the symptoms of period pain.
How it works
NSAIDs help reduce pain and inflammation by stopping injured cells from making chemicals called prostaglandins. They are used to relieve pain such as headache, toothache and period cramps, and to reduce inflammation and fever.
NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems, and they have been linked to a small increase in the chance of a heart attack or stroke. NSAIDs, including aspirin, can trigger asthma in some people.
Connections
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Prostaglandins is controlled by
EPA and DHA compete with omega-6 fats to make eicosanoids, tipping the balance towards less inflammatory activity.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Omega-3 fatty acids: fact sheet for health professionals
Prostaglandins helps control
NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation by stopping injured cells from making prostaglandins.
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 13 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.