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From aspirin developed a class of drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen, which are collectively referred to as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although they are not addictive, NSAIDs are not as strong as opioids and can cause stomach pain or bleeding. Similar to the NSAIDs is the synthetic acetaminophen (called paracetamol outside the U.S.), which also relieves pain and fever, but has no effect on inflammation; its mechanism of action is not precisely understood. A new, more targeted class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors was pulled from the market in 2004. Although these drugs are effective against pain, they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients. Scientists are currently attempting to determine whether there is a genetic cause for the occurrence of this side effect in selected patients.

From aspirin developed a class of drugs including
ibuprofen and naproxen, which are collectively referred
to as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Although they are not addictive, NSAIDs are not as
strong as opioids and can cause stomach pain or bleeding.
Similar to the NSAIDs is the synthetic acetaminophen
(called paracetamol outside the U.S.), which also relieves
pain and fever, but has no effect on inflammation; its
mechanism of action is not precisely understood. A new,
more targeted class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors
was pulled from the market in 2004. Although these
drugs are effective against pain, they may increase the
risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients. Scientists
are currently attempting to determine whether there is a
genetic cause for the occurrence of this side effect in
selected patients.

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