Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) form an integral part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO's) pain ladder and in 2012 over 4 500 000 prescriptions for ibuprofen were dispensed in England alone. However, several NSAIDs have now been withdrawn from the market due to concerns about cardiovascular risk. Given their widespread use, but well-documented serious side effects, what exactly are NSAIDs, when should they be used, and how can the risk to your patients be minimised?
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