Why take AI with food? | Arthritis Information

 

Hi there- am new to the board- let me introduce myself.  My name is Andie, am a single mother of 3.  2 years ago an M.R.I scan on my sore knee showed a torn cartilage so I had to undergo surgery to partially remove it.  A more recent x-ray has shown slight wear and tear and considerable inflammation to my lower spine.  I spend a lot of time in pain and the pain is starting to affect different joints as time goes by- my shoulders and fingers in right hand have become the latest casualties.  I have been informed by my Rheumy that it prob is the early stages of RH setting in and have been on Co- Dydramol since my knee prob started.  I found this very ineffective so have recently been put on Diclofenac (Rhumalgan SR 75mg) and has made quite a difference.  I had been advised by G.P to take with food but have found taking without food does cause any stomach upset.  However, I have recently been told (not by a medical person) that you MUST take AI with food as taking without can cause irreversable medical probs to stomach and it's lining.  Can any1 tell me if there is any truth to this please.  Thanks heaps.Yes. Definately true. Even Advil and any OTC IUB shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach. Can burn a whole in the stomach lining. Not good at all!

all anti inflammatories should always be taken with food.  just because you don't notice any problems now does not rule them out in the future due to the cumlitive effect.  i usually have a yogurt or some oatmealOk thanks for verifying that Lovie and buckeye.  Must say it does say on label to take with or after food but was never explained to me by G.P why, so is a case of 'always follow the label' I suppose! P.S. I meant to say in 1st post that taking the AI's without food does NOT cause any stomach upset!Andie2008-09-17 13:47:01 [QUOTE=Andie]Ok thanks for verifying that Lovie and buckeye.  Must say it does say on label to take with or after food but was never explained to me by G.P why, so is a case of 'always follow the label' I suppose! P.S. I meant to say in 1st post that taking the AI's without food does NOT cause any stomach upset![/QUOTE]

Yea, the stomach problems can sneak up on you quickly.  Been there, done that - and had to give up coffee and beer for several months as a result!  Not an experiment I care to repeat!!! absolutely not! Welcome Andie.  Best of Luck on your journey with RA.  You will find lots of help and info on here along with some very nice people. AI = antiinflammatoriesAnd you should also know that taking NSAIDs (AI's) with food is no guarantee that you will prevent stomach problems, as the problems can occur EVEN if NSAIDs are administered intravenously.  They affect the prostaglandin system in the body, which (among other things) regulates the mucus lining and protection of the stomach.  NSAID-induced GI bleeds can occur even when using intravenous NSAIDs.  Be safe.
WElcome aboard !![QUOTE=lorster]AI = antiinflammatories[/QUOTE]