(NSAIDs) Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and their effect on cancer patients

Greetings to all and sundry on this platform once again. As a biochemistry student, I researched "NSAIDs and their effect on cancer patients" today and decided to share it here. I hope that you will enjoy it and also learn from it. Stay tuned with me as I discuss this topic in my article.

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NSAIDs is an abbreviation for Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. These drugs serve as pain killed, and are also used in treating inflammation, and fever. These drugs can be obtained from any drug store available in our localities. They include celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. These drugs can safely be used by some individuals but at the same time, it has side effects on cancer patients. I found it very important to write and share the side effects of these drugs so we can take note of them and be vigilant with how we take them.

When an individual takes in any of these drugs, the drug function by halting the production of cyclooxygenases enzyme in the human body. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins in the human body. Mostly, people do take these drugs to cure muscle aches, headaches, arthritis, back pain, etc.

These drugs are dangerous to cancer patients for use because they can interfere with the fight against cancer by the body. And they do so by blocking the cyclooxygenase enzyme function in the human body, preventing the production of prostaglandins. The following includes some of the adverse effects of these drugs.

First of all, these drugs can cause excessive bleeding in cancer patients. They do so by decreasing the production of the human platelet or the platelet count in humans. When this happens, it results in an increase in bleeding.

Again, these drugs also increase the risk of infection with diseases. They do so by decreasing the production of some proteins that can fight against those infections. People, therefore, tend to have some conditions when they consume too much of these drugs.

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Moreover, these drugs increase the risk of cancer recurrence or continuation of cancer in some individuals. Ibuprofen has been proven to have increased the risk of recurrence of colorectal cancer in humans. NSAIDs can also cause some negative effects in cancer patients including vomiting, stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. Sometimes, these drugs interfere with the medications that cancer patients are undertaking and thereby causing negative effects.

Some general steps for cancer patients to undertake before taking any NSAIDs-related drug. They include the following;

First of all, they should consult their doctor before taking those drugs or it should be recommended by their doctor. In doing so, the patient would be safe from any future adverse effects that might happen.

In addition, the directions for the use of these drugs must be followed strictly by cancer patients. In following, the direction of the use of the drug, it is recommended not to overdose the drug, but instead, follow the correct and accurate prescription given by the doctor.

Furthermore, the recommended period for a cancer patient to take a drug must strictly be adhered to and should not be taken at any time of their choice. Lastly, cancer patients should know the side effects of these drugs before taking them or undergoing any medications.

I would like to use this opportunity to advise myself and all cancer patients to strictly consult their doctors with regards to taking any foreign drugs and not only NSAIDs when on medication. I hope that this article helps. If you find any corrections, you can leave that in the comment section.

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