PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 454 - 5 Jun 2004

NSAID safety concerns notmatched by careful use

Although patients are increasingly concerned aboutthe side effects of OTC NSAIDs, the number of patientstaking more than the recommended dose of suchmedications has also increased, according to a AmericanGastroenterological Association study.

To examine the use of OTC NSAIDS, researcherscompared the findings of a 1997 consumer survey withthose of a 2003 survey. This comparison revealed thatonly 18% of respondents were concerned about NSAID-associated side effects in 1997, with this numberincreasing to 59% in 2003. However, the percentage ofrespondents who said they took more than therecommended dose of NSAIDs also increased, from26% in 1997 to 44% in 2003. In addition, it was foundthat more than one-third of respondents believed it safeto combine OTC and prescription NSAIDs.American Gastroenterological Association. Despite Increasing Concern About PainReliever Side Effects, Many Patients Take More than Recommended Dose. MediaRelease : 20 May 2004. Available from: URL: http://www.gastro.org 809034984

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PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 5 Jun 2004 No. 4541173-5503/10/0454-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved