Is it okay to take etolodac long term ? it helps with my tmj pain whilst i'm waiting for jaw surgery. going to get the joints washed out.

Nonsteroidals: All NSAIDs like etolodac have side effects and "black box" warnings. which include cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. And etolodac can cause or worse hypertension .Drugs like etolodac have short half lives, so they must be taken 3 or4 times daily, leading to the "up/down" of pain control. Other longer acting NSAIDs are a better choice--mobic or celecoxib, which are once daily.

As with: all NSAIDs, you want to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Before going for the joint lavage, consider a consultation with a TMD specialist. Save the surgery as a last option if no other treatment controls your TMD.