- Study reveals high-risk groups vulnerable to serious side effects from NSAIDs.
- NSAID prescriptions could cost NHS England £31.4 million over a decade.
- Decline in overall NSAID prescriptions, but naproxen remains the most prescribed.
A study published in The BMJ has found that common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen and ibuprofen pose significant risks for certain high-risk groups.
These groups include individuals on blood thinners, those with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, people with a history of peptic ulcers, and individuals over 65 not on gastroprotective medications.
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Despite efforts to reduce NSAID prescriptions, naproxen still accounted for 69% of these prescriptions in 2022. The NHS has made strides in decreasing NSAID use by 12% from 2017 to 2022 and is focusing on optimizing medicine use, including reducing prescriptions for potentially addictive drugs like opioids.
The economic impact of prescribing NSAIDs to these vulnerable populations is substantial, with an estimated cost of £31.4 million to NHS England over the next decade. The study highlights that the greatest financial burden comes from patients on blood thinners, with a projected cost of £25.4 million. Despite a decline in overall NSAID prescriptions, the study calls for improved prescribing practices to mitigate these risks.
Naproxen remains the most commonly prescribed NSAID, accounting for 69% of such prescriptions in 2022. While there has been a notable reduction in NSAID prescriptions, particularly among patients with heart risks, the use of COX-2 inhibitors has increased. This trend indicates a shift towards alternative pain management options, yet underscores the need for careful consideration of each patient’s risk factors.
Efforts to optimize medication use within the NHS have led to a 12% decrease in NSAID prescriptions from 2017 to 2022. The NHS continues to focus on reducing the use of potentially harmful medications, including opioids and sleeping pills. This initiative aims to enhance patient safety and ensure the responsible allocation of healthcare resources.
The findings of this study emphasize the critical need for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of NSAID prescriptions, particularly for high-risk patients, to prevent avoidable harm and ensure the best use of healthcare resources.
“NSAIDs continue to be a source of avoidable harm and healthcare cost in these five high-risk populations, especially
