Phrases › Allergies and Medications › Non tollero i farmaci antinfiammatori.

Non tollero i farmaci antinfiammatori.

I cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Pronunciation

fan-zi — the Italian acronym for NSAIDs is 'FANS' (Farmaci Antinfiammatori Non Steroidei). Say each letter.

When to use it

Tell any prescribing doctor or pharmacist. NSAID intolerance affects medication choices for pain, fever, and inflammation.

What it means

'Farmaci antinfiammatori' = NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Italian acronym: 'FANS'. Includes: ibuprofen ('ibuprofene', 'brufen', 'moment'), naproxen ('naprossene'), diclofenac ('voltaren'), ketoprofen ('ketoprofene'). Intolerance: gastric irritation ('irritazione gastrica'), peptic ulcer ('ulcera peptica'), aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (aspirin sensitivity causing asthma/nasal polyps).

Variations

L'ibuprofene mi dà problemi allo stomaco.

Ibuprofen gives me stomach problems.

GI intolerance — consider COX-2 selective inhibitors or paracetamol as alternative

Ho l'asma da aspirina. Non posso prendere i FANS.

I have aspirin-sensitive asthma. I cannot take NSAIDs.

'Malattia respiratoria esacerbata dall'aspirina' — complete avoidance of all NSAIDs

Ho avuto un'ulcera per colpa del diclofenac.

I had an ulcer because of diclofenac.

NSAID-induced peptic ulcer — future NSAID use requires gastroprotection or avoidance

Mini Dialogue

— Non tollero i farmaci antinfiammatori. Ho avuto un'ulcera. — Capito. Per il suo dolore allora useremo il paracetamolo e le darò anche un gastroprotettore. — Il paracetamolo è efficace quanto il brufen? — Per molti dolori sì. Per le infiammazioni articolari è leggermente meno potente. — E se non basta? — Ci sono alternative: i COX-2 selettivi, con meno rischio gastrico.

— I cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs. I had an ulcer. — Understood. For your pain I will use paracetamol and also give you a stomach protector. — Is paracetamol as effective as Brufen? — For many pains yes. For joint inflammation it is slightly less powerful. — And if it is not enough? — There are alternatives: selective COX-2 inhibitors, with less gastric risk.

Cultural Note

NSAIDs are one of the most common causes of drug-induced peptic ulcer ('ulcera peptica da FANS') in Italy. Italian GPs routinely co-prescribe 'gastroprotettori' (proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole) when prescribing NSAIDs to any patient over 65 or with prior GI history. Italy has one of the highest rates of PPI use in Europe — partly attributed to this prescribing habit. ASA ('aspirina') use for cardiovascular prevention is also very high in Italian cardiac patients.

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