which meds after wls can we have and not have?

We have all been told not to take NSAIDS after WLS but do you really understand why and which ones to avoid?  I didn?t so I did a little research.  I hope this helps to clear up some of your questions. You are at risk for marginal  ulcers any time you take an NSAID [anti-inflammatory medication]. 

Bextra is the newest, next generation of NSAIDS. It is simply an anti-inflammatory with no compound to aid in the protection of our GI systems. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (pronounced en-said) are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis. Most of us are familiar with over-the-counter, nonprescription NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. 

NSAIDs are more than just pain relievers. They also help reduce inflammation and lower fevers. They prevent blood from clotting, which is good in some cases but not so beneficial in others. For example, because they reduce clotting action, some NSAIDS, especially aspirin, may have a protective effect against heart disease. However, you may bruise more easily. NSAIDs can increase the risk of developing nausea, an upset stomach or an ulcer. They also may interfere with kidney function. 

NSAIDs work by preventing an enzyme (a protein that triggers changes in the body) from doing its job. The enzyme is called cyclooxygenase, or COX, and it has two forms. COX-1 protects the stomach lining from harsh acids and digestive chemicals; it also helps maintain kidney function. COX-2 is produced when joints are injured or inflamed. 

Traditional NSAIDs block the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2, which is why they can cause stomach upset and bleeding as well as ease pain and inflammation. 

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just that they are ?pouch  burners? as the industry wants us to believe. It goes much deeper than that. According to an article published in the June 1999 New England  Journal of Medicine, NSAIDS, once absorbed into the blood stream cause a  chain of chemical reactions that affect the prostaglandins and this in  turn reduces the production of mucus in the GI system. The mucus is what lines our GI system and protects our pouch and intestines from damage.

If the mucus production is reduced, this would allow ANYTHING, including eating something with too sharp of an edge or foods that are extremely spicy, to inadvertently begin a marginal ulcer. The best answer is to avoid NSAIDS at all cost. Lastly, taking an H2 receptor drug such as Prilosec, Prevacid or Nexium is only a band-aid and no guarantee that it will  protect you. 

No-no Drugs

DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH -- NSAIDS

Advil

Aleve

Amigesic 

Anacin

Anaprox 

Ansald

Anthra-G 

Arthropan

Ascriptin 

Aspirin 

Asproject 

Azolid 

Bufferin  

Butazolidin 

Celebrex  

Clinorial  

Darvon compounds  

Disalcid 

Dolobid  

Erythromycin  

Equagesic  

Feldene 

Fiorinal 

Ibuprofin 

Indocin  

Ketoprofen 

Lodine 

Meclomen 

Midol 

Motrin 

Nalfon  

Naprosyn  

Nayer 

Orudis  

Oruval  

Pamprin-IB 

Percodan  

Ponstel 

Rexolate  

Tandearil .

Tetracycline  

Tolecin 

Uracel  

Vioxx 

Voltaren

COX-2 inhibitors are a special category of NSAIDs. These medications target only the COX-2 enzyme that stimulates the inflammatory response. Because they do not block the actions of the COX-1 enzyme, these medications generally don't cause the kind of stomach upset or bleeding that traditional NSAIDs do. COX-2 inhibitors also don't offer the same kind of protection against heart disease.

COX ?2 Inhibitors : [DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE] 

Benadryl  

Colace 

Dimetap  

Dulcolax-Suppositories 

Fleet Enema  

Gas-X  

Glycerin-Suppositories 

Imodium Ad  

Milk of Magnesia  

Peri-Colace      

Phazyme  

Robitussin  

Safetussin 

Sudafed  

Triaminics (All)  

Tylenol (cold products)  

Tylenol 

Tylenol Ex Strength