Some over-the-counter medicines can help ease the pain you feel from an injured joint. However, some of these medicines interfere with the ability of your blood to clot. These medicines are often referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) and are very commonly prescribed for pain. These medicines thin your blood, so all people with bleeding disorders should avoid taking NSAIDS.
Make sure you avoid taking the following medicines:
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin)
- Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve).
Acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain, and does not thin the blood, so make sure that any pain killers you take contain acetaminophen and not one of the NSAIDS.
Develop a relationship with your local pharmacist
It is a good idea to remind your pharmacist that you have hemophilia. Tell them you know you are not supposed to take NSAIDS so they can be extra diligent checking over your medicines and find a medicine that is safe for you to take.
Remember, always read the label.