Inappropriate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use: prevalence and predictors.
Journal Article
Introduction
Inappropriate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use can occur by using more than one prescription or over-the-counter NSAID or exceeding the manufacturer's recommended dosage. There are risks associated with inappropriate NSAID use; however, the prevalence and predictors of inappropriate NSAID use are unknown. The study objectives are to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate NSAID use and identify characteristics associated with inappropriate use.Methods
We identified 6877 patients at 2 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers through pharmacy records who filled 3 or more NSAID prescriptions in 6 months. We randomly selected 2535 patients and mailed them a survey about NSAIDs, gastroprotective medications, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and pain. Inappropriate NSAID users either took 2 or more NSAIDs for 3 days or more or exceeded the maximum daily recommended dosage of 1 or more NSAID in the past week. Data were also collected from medical records.Results
Approximately 1572 patients (62%) returned the survey, and 1250 reported NSAID use in the past week. Approximately 32% (n = 400) used NSAIDs inappropriately, including taking 2 or more NSAIDs (n = 173), exceeding the highest daily recommended dosage (n = 161) or both (n = 66). Being a minority (odds ratio = 1.62, P < 0.001) and having an income of $20,000 (odds ratio = 1.70, P < 0.001) or lesser both predicted inappropriate NSAID use. Inappropriate NSAID use was associated with more GI symptoms (β = 0.57, P < 0.001) and higher levels of pain (β = 0.85, P < 0.001).Conclusions
Inappropriate NSAID use is prevalent. Providers should consider counseling all patients about NSAID use, especially patients with GI problems or pain problems.Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Kovac, SH; Houston, TK; Weinberger, M
Published Date
- June 2010
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 6 / 2
Start / End Page
- 86 - 90
PubMed ID
- 22130349
Pubmed Central ID
- 22130349
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1549-8425
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1549-8417
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1097/pts.0b013e3181cfcd77
Language
- eng