Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been demonstrated to have significant cardiovascular and gastrointestinal toxicity; high dose of intake and concomitant use of multiple compounds or corticosteroids are factors that increase the risk of NSAID toxicity. In this paper we described our experience on NSAIDs misuse (both prescribing and OTC formulations), particularly relevant in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (39.5% of patients) and osteoarthritis (47% of patients). We also evaluated causes underlying NSAIDs misuse (e.g. not satisfactory pain control, other painful conditions, etc).
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GislasonGHRasmussenJNAbildstromSZ. Increased mortality and cardiovascular morbidity associated with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic heart failure. Arch Intern Med2009; 169:141–9.
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GuptaMEisenGM. NSAIDs and the gastrointestinal tract. Curr Gastroenterol Rep2009; 11:345–53.
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BuenoHBardajíAPatrignaniPMartín-MerinoEGarcía-RodríguezLA. Spanish Case-Control Study to Assess NSAID-Associated ACS Risk Investigators. Use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and type-specific risk of acute coronary syndrome. Am J Cardiol2010; 105:1102–6.
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LavonasEJFriesJFFurstDE. Comparative risks of non-prescription analgesics: A structured topic review and research priorities. Expert Opin Drug Saf2012; 1:33–44.
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AlacquaMTrifiròGCavagnaL. Prescribing pattern of drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis in Italian general practice: The effect of rofecoxib withdrawal. Arthritis Rheum2008; 59:568–74.
