Question:

Hi expert,

I wonder if fish oil is a supplement or an NSAID. From Wikipedia, fish oil is one of NSAID`s which belongs to other group of NSAID.

Answer:

Fish oil is a dietary supplement that contains eicosapentanoic (EPA) acid and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) obtained from the flesh of certain fatty fish.  EPA and DHA are omega three fatty acids, not non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). 

The NSAID’s are a relatively large group of medicines used to treat pain usually related to inflammation.  This drug class includes ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. 

It is a bit difficult to know what you really need to know here.  However, fish oils may be used with NSAIDS to treat certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

There is reasonably good evidence that fish oil can have a beneficial effect in reducing morning stiffness and tender joints that is typical of this disease. In this situation, the thought is that the combination may work well enough that the dose of the NSAID can be reduced.  Reducing the dose of the NSAID could potentially reduce the side effects associated with the NSAID. 

For more information:

Go to the Pharmacy and Medications health topic.