When recovering from an accident, you’re likely facing pain, discomfort, and a long road to healing. To help manage this pain, many health care providers suggest or prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. These drugs may be in the form of Advil, Aleve, Motrin, or they may be prescribed as Clinoril, Sulindac or Toradol. These medications promise pain relief, but it’s important to understand the risks—specifically, the risk of gastric bleeding. If you’re juggling recovery and the complexities of a personal injury claim, this is a topic you can’t ignore.
What Are NSAIDs, and Why Are They Risky?
NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which makes them a common choice for managing injuries such as sprains, strains, or other accident-related pain. However, they are not meant to be taken long term and can harm the stomach lining, increasing the chance of ulcers and gastric bleeding—especially with long-term use or in higher doses.
This side effect isn’t just a minor inconvenience for someone recovering from an accident. Gastric bleeding can be serious, even life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms might include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting blood, or passing black, tarry stools. But here’s the tricky part—these symptoms can sometimes be subtle or easy to dismiss as part of your overall recovery.
Why Accident Victims Need to Be Extra Cautious
Your body is already under strain from trying to heal after an accident. Adding digestive complications to the mix can slow your recovery and leave you worse off than you started. This is especially true if you were prescribed NSAIDs without fully understanding how they interact with other medications or pre-existing conditions, such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux.
There’s also a legal angle to consider. If your injury requires extensive medical care, unexpected complications (like gastric bleeding) may lead to additional medical bills, extended time off work, and an even more complicated personal injury claim. Did a healthcare provider prescribe NSAIDs for several months or even years? Were alternative, safer pain relief methods not pursued due to negligence? These are questions worth exploring—with the help of both a doctor and an attorney.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
It’s critical to protect both your health and your legal rights as you recover. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Consult a Doctor Before Using NSAIDs: Never assume over-the-counter or even prescription medications are harmless. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting NSAIDs, especially if you’ve suffered an accident-related injury.
- Explore Pain Relief Alternatives: Physical therapy, heat/ice therapy, or other medications can sometimes be safer alternatives. Ask your doctor about these options.
- Watch for Symptoms of Gastric Bleeding: If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, blood in your vomit, or dark stools, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure to mention what medications you have been taking and for how long. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all medications you’ve been prescribed, any complications, and all related medical visits. This documentation can be invaluable when building your legal case.
- Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney: Gastric bleeding caused by improperly prescribed NSAIDs could play a significant role in your claim. An attorney can help determine if there’s a medical malpractice case or if the additional medical expenses should be considered in your personal injury claim.
Austin Personal Injury Attorneys with National Experience
If you have concerns about NSAID use or have experienced complications, National Trial Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team specializes in medical malpractice cases and can provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us today at (833) 913-1885 to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating your legal options.