Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called “NSAIDs,” are medicines that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They are one of the most commonly used kinds of medicines, most of which can be bought without a prescription.

NSAIDs can help people who have conditions that cause ongoing pain, such as arthritis. They can also help people heal more quickly after an injury. But NSAIDs can cause problems of their own, so it’s important to take the lowest dose you need for the shortest time.