What is a reasonable analgesic option for a patient with NSAID allergy?

• A. Acetaminophen or non-NSAID analgesics; short course of opioids if needed
• B. NSAIDs are safe in NSAID allergy
• C. Corticosteroids are preferred analgesics
• D. Acupuncture alone is sufficient for analgesia

Answer: (A)

In a patient with NSAID allergy, the reasonable approach is to avoid NSAIDs and use analgesics with a different mechanism. Acetaminophen provides effective pain relief and fever reduction without triggering NSAID hypersensitivity, and other non-NSAID analgesics can be used for additional relief. If pain remains significant, a short course of opioid analgesics can be considered, weighing benefits against risks. This strategy minimizes the risk of an allergic reaction while still achieving adequate analgesia. NSAIDs are not safe in NSAID allergy; corticosteroids aren’t typical first-line analgesics for routine pain; acupuncture alone usually isn’t sufficient to manage analgesia.