There was a time when the physicians used to recommend NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), especially aspirin to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. However, the scientists in Montreal confirmed contrarily in 2017 that the current use of NSAIDs significantly increased the risk of a heart attack.1 Therefore, some questions arise. Is the use of NSAIDs a good idea, especially if you are planning a Enhanced Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy? Do NSAIDs affect the Enhanced PRP function? Is there any downside? Several research studies report negative results. Let’s dig in.
What is Enhanced PRP therapy?
Enhanced Platelet-rich plasma therapy is used to treat varied conditions ranging from orthopaedic ailments to hair loss issues. It has emerged as an effective, promising alternative to surgery. Enhanced PRP is prepared by concentrating the platelets rich in growth factors in your blood like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and connective tissue growth factors. Once the physician injects these concentrated platelets into the damaged tissues, they slowly release the growth factors to promote natural healing. However, what you take as far as daily medications may impact the efficacy and natural healing of the Enhanced PRP.
What are NSAIDs and Aspirin?
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a class of standard household medication used worldwide to reduce pain and inflammation. These can also reduce fever, hence, are recommended for short- and long-term diseases/conditions such as flu, arthritis, backpains, dental pains and other conditions. NSAIDs are available as over the counter medication and prescription. Among the NSAIDs, aspirin is the most well-known drug across the world. It has been widely used since just before the 20th century (1899). Aspirin alone stands out due to its increased blood-thinning ability. Hence, aspirin can effectively prevent blood clot formation.
So is NSAIDs and aspirin use a good idea? Some studies suggest probably not if you are planning a Enhanced PRP treatment. Let’s review.
What is the role of NSAIDs in the Enhanced PRP treatment?
Even though NSAIDs are effective pain relievers, they hinder platelet activation and aggregation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This inhibition will consequently prolong the bleeding time and platelets will not be able to secrete the growth factors.2 Due to this impaired platelet function, patients consuming NSAIDs will not have any therapeutic effect when undergoing Enhanced PRP treatment.
However, there is a difference between the effects of aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs upon the platelets. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes; therefore, its actions stay for the lifespan of the circulating platelets (about 8–10 days). Where non-aspirin NSAIDs reversibly block cyclooxygenase enzymes and, hence, the extent of their action depends on the relevant drug dose, half-life and serum level.3By discontinuing the consumption of NSAIDs, especially Naproxen for a minimum of one week before Enhanced PRP treatment, it may improve the secretion of biological factors.4
So what does it mean if you are taking NSAIDs and are planning to undergo a Enhanced PRP treatment? It means your NSAIDs use, especially aspirin, could sabotage your Enhanced PRP treatment leading to less desirable outcomes than what they could be.
How long the effects of NSAIDs last?
When should you stop NSAIDs and especially aspirin prior to a Enhanced PRP procedure? It takes around ten days for the effect of NSAIDs and aspirin to wear off. Hence, to be on the safe side, you should stop the NSAIDs two weeks prior to the Enhanced PRP therapy. Similarly, as the injected platelets release growth factors for around two weeks, you should stay off the NSAIDs after the Enhanced PRP procedure also. However, always discuss with your doctor before stopping any medication!
So what’s the upshot?
Considering the effect of NSAIDs in Enhanced PRP therapy, it is best to discontinue NSAIDs two weeks before and after the Enhanced PRP procedure to get the best possible outcomes of the procedure. Just follow the guidelines above after a careful discussion with your doctor.
References:
1. M. Bally, N.Dendukuri, B. Rich,L. Nadeau, A.Helin-Salmivaara, E.Garbe, J. M. Brophy. Risk of acute myocardial infarction with NSAIDs in real world use: bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient data. BMJ 2017;357:j1909
2. G. Schippinger, F. Prüller, M. Divjak, E. Mahla, F. Fankhauser, S. Rackemann, R.BerndRaggam.Autologous Enhanced Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparations: Influence of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Platelet Function.Orthop J Sports Med. 2015 Jun 23;3(6):2325967115588896.
3. A. I. Schafer.Effects of NonsteroidalAntiinflammatoryDrugs on Platelet Function and Systemic Hemostasis. J Clln Pharmacol1995;35:209-219.
4. S. Mannava, M.D., Ph.D., K. E. Whitney, B.S., M. I. Kennedy, B.S., J. l. King, B.S., G. J. Dornan, M.S., K. Klett, B.S., J.Chahla, M.D., Ph.D., T. A. Evans, M.D., J. Huard, Ph.D., R. F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.The Influence of Naproxen on Biological Factors in Leukocyte-Rich Enhanced Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Prospective Comparative Study. Arthroscopy 2019; VOL. 35, ISSUE 1, P201-210
