Walking down the pain relief aisle at a drugstore is an overwhelming experience. How do you choose between all of the brands and ingredients?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are a common choice for pain relief, especially when inflammation is present. The two medicines you’ll see most often in this category are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Especially if you are taking a high dose of the medication, we recommend naproxen over ibuprofen. Why? Because ibuprofen is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than naproxen. If you are at risk for heart attack or stroke, look for naproxen products over ibuprofen. And remember that if you are prone to bleeding or stomach ulcers, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be a better choice than any NSAID medications.

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