NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, bleeding, and iron loss.¹ Iron supplements can cause GI irritation.² However, iron supplementation is sometimes needed in people taking NSAIDs if those drugs have caused enough blood loss to lead to iron deficiency . If both iron and etodolac are prescribed, they should be taken with food to reduce GI irritation and bleeding risk.

The flavonoids found in the extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) known as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) are helpful for avoiding the irritating actions NSAIDs have on the stomach and intestines. One study found that 350 mg of chewable DGL taken together with each dose of aspirin reduced gastrointestinal bleeding caused by the aspirin.³ DGL has been shown in controlled human research to be as effective as drug therapy ( cimetidine ) in healing stomach ulcers .⁴

Etodolac may cause sodium and water retention .⁵ It is healthful to reduce dietary salt intake by eliminating table salt and heavily salted foods.

White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin . Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs.⁶ Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

NSAIDs have caused kidney dysfunction and increased blood potassium levels, especially in older people.⁷ People taking NSAIDs, including etodolac, should not supplement potassium without consulting with their doctor.

Supplementation may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs while reducing their ulcerogenic effects. One study found that when various anti-inflammatory drugs were chelated with copper, the anti-inflammatory activity was increased.⁸ Animal models of inflammation have found that the copper chelate of aspirin was active at one-eighth the effective amount of aspirin. These copper complexes are less toxic than the parent compounds, as well.