Over-the-Counter Pain Medication for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Overview
Over-the-counter medications are used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. There are three main drugs that can be used to relieve pain associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): ibuprofen (branded as Motrin and Advil), aspirin (branded as Bayer, Excedrin, Ecotrin, and Bufferin), and naproxen (branded as Aleve and Naprosyn). Stronger doses of these drugs are available by prescription.

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs help reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. They are believed to work by inhibiting the production of chemicals that promote inflammation in the body.

How do I take it?
Always check with your doctor before taking a new medication, including over-the-counter medications.

Take over-the-counter pain medications according to directions given by your doctor or found on the medication package. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. When taking NSAIDs, it is important to use the lowest dose that is effective and to take it for the shortest amount of time in order to avoid side effects.

Side effects
The risk of side effects from NSAIDs increases the longer you take them.

NSAIDs may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and serious gastrointestinal injury including perforation.

Common side effects of NSAIDs include abdominal pain and cramps, gastrointestinal ulcerations, bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea.

Contact your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, black stools that appear bloody or tarry, or a fever that lasts more than three days while taking Ibuprofen.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

NSAIDs in HS — Medscape
https://www.medscape.com/answers/1073117-30905/...