Steroids are chemical hormones produced naturally by the body, and can be lab-made to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids help prevent the immune system from producing substances that cause inflammation, and anabolic steroids build muscle mass depleted by conditions like cancer.

NSAIDs are effective pain killers by negating the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are used to treat a great variety of conditions ranging from Rheumatoid arthritis and tendonitis to tooth pain and menstrual cramps. There are...