NSAIDs: Not as Safe as Patients May Think

[Northerner]

A survey of over 9000 patients published in 2005 concluded that over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are widely used, frequently by patients who are generally unaware of the potential for dangerous adverse side effects.[1] Given recent concerns about use of acetaminophen products, particularly products with 500 mg or more per tablet,[2] and the potential that patients will turn to NSAIDs as an alternative, it is more important than ever that clinicians provide accurate education about their use. Medscape spoke with Bill H. McCarberg, MD, founder of the Chronic Pain Management Program at Kaiser Permanente in Escondido, California, and a board member of the Alliance for the Rational Use of NSAIDs, about the latest evidence regarding these ubiquitous products.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/822725

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