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. 2014 Apr;64(621):e191-8.
doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X677815.

High-risk use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a population-based cross-sectional study

Aafke R Koffeman  1 , Vera E Valkhoff, Sevde Celik, Geert W't Jong, Miriam C J M Sturkenboom, Patrick J E Bindels, Johan van der Lei, Pim A J Luijsterburg, Sita M A Bierma-Zeinstra
Affiliations

High-risk use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a population-based cross-sectional study

Aafke R Koffeman et al. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Background: The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with serious adverse drug events (ADEs).

Aim: To determine the prevalence of over-the-counter (OTC) NSAID use in the general population and in patients with a high risk of developing a serious NSAID-related ADE.

Design and setting: Cross-sectional study in four general practices in the Netherlands.

Method: Two patient samples were selected: a random sample of adults (general population sample); and adult patients with a high risk of developing a serious ADE in case of NSAID use (high-risk sample). All included patients were sent a questionnaire regarding their use of OTC NSAIDs in the 4 weeks prior to participation.

Results: In the general population sample, 118 of 456 (26%) invited patients completed the questionnaire. Of these, 35 (30%) had used an OTC NSAID. In the high-risk sample, 264 of 713 (37%) invited patients completed the questionnaire, and of these high-risk patients 33 (13%) had used an OTC NSAID. Over 20% of OTC NSAID users in the general population sample and over 30% in the high-risk sample had used the OTC NSAID for >7 days. OTC NSAIDs were used in a dosage exceeding the recommended daily maximum by 9% and 3% of OTC NSAID users in the general population and the high-risk sample respectively.

Conclusion: OTC NSAIDs are used by almost one-third of the general population. In the high-risk patients selected, one in eight patients used an OTC NSAID. Continued efforts by health authorities and healthcare professionals to inform patients of the risks of these drugs are warranted.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal; general practice; over-the-counter drugs; primary care.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow chart of participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • What did the questionnaire say?
    Zermansky A. Zermansky A. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Jun;64(623):276. doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X679981. Br J Gen Pract. 2014. PMID: 24868046 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Authors' response.
    Koffeman A, Valkhoff V, Bindels P. Koffeman A, et al. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Jun;64(623):276. doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X679993. Br J Gen Pract. 2014. PMID: 24868047 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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