Takeaway
- Overall between 2002 and 2010, use of NSAIDs reduced, but a large proportion of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) used harmful NSAIDs.
- Interestingly, similar reducing trend observed in patients without CVD.
Why this matters
- 5 major national guidelines advised to stop using cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors and tailor other NSAIDs dosage in patients with CVD.
- Reduced use in patients without CVD implies inappropriate restriction in patients who might benefit from COX-2 inhibitors.
Study design
- This observational study evaluated patients across 11 practices.
- NSAIDs were categorised into oral (basic, COX-2 inhibitors) and topical.
- Each year was divided into quarters (Q) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Funding: Keele GP Research Partnership; Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre.
Key results
- In patients with CVD, prescription of COX-2 inhibitors (per 10,000 patients) decreased from 232 (95% CI, 187-286) in 2002 Q1 to 102 (95% CI, 76-134) in 2005 Q2 before stabilising around 55.
- Prescription of basic NSAIDs decreased from 774 (95% CI, 691-863) in 2002 Q1 to 245 (95% CI, 204-291) in 2010 Q4.
- Use of topical NSAIDs increased from 115 (95% CI, 108-123) in 2002 Q1 to 270 (95% CI, 258-281) in 2010 Q4.
- Trends were similar in patients without CVD, with a drop in COX-2 prescription in 2004 Q4.
Limitations
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs use not identified.
References
References
