The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are aspirin substitutes. The non-steroidal aspect of these drugs is important. Steroids have serious side effects and are usually tried only after the drugs have proved ineffective. Most of the NSAIDs act like aspirin, which interfere with the formation of prostaglandins, which trigger inflammation.

These drugs are not without side effects, however, some people using them have noticed dizziness, headache, constipation, itching and ringing in the ears.