Study: Many With Arthritis at Risk in Misuse of NSAIDs

Adults continue to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) incorrectly despite mounting evidence that their misuse can cause life-threatening side effects, according to a study presented in May at the annual meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association in New Orleans.

Many arthritis and other patients take NSAIDs, which include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, for pain. Despite greater awareness of potential safety issues with NSAIDs over the past five years, the study found these patients are not transferring that awareness into action.

Researchers compared the findings of two consumer surveys, conducted in 1997 and 2003, to measure consumer awareness levels of side effects associated with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers.

As of 2003, 59 percent of respondents said they were concerned about side effects associated with over-the-counter analgesics, compared to only 18 percent in 1997. However, in 2003, 44 percent of respondents said they took more than the recommended dose of medications, up from 26 percent in 1997.

The study also found that more than one-third of survey respondents erroneously considered it safe to combine over-the-counter analgesics and prescription NSAIDs, putting them at high risk for complications.

“Because these drugs are easily accessible and can be very effective, there is a misperception out there that they have no risks,” said lead researcher Byron Cryer, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. "In reality, there are serious side effects associated with inappropriate use that patients need to recognize.”

With few warning signs and no medical tests to determine who will develop side effects, Cryer said education is imperative to help patients recognize the risk factors and have discussions with their physicians.

Other sources: American Gastroenterological Association