the present invention is directed to drug dosage forms that release an agent that raises the ph of a patient &# 39 ; s gastrointestinal tract , followed by a non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drug . the dosage form is designed so that the nsaid is not released until the intragastric ph has been raised to a safe level . the invention also encompasses methods of treating patients by administering this coordinated release , gastroprotective , antiarthritic / analgesic combination unit dosage form to achieve pain and symptom relief with a reduced risk of developing gastrointestinal damage such as ulcers , erosions and hemorrhages .