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A recent study has raised significant concerns about the risks associated with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen. The research highlights that individuals with conditions like heart failure and peptic ulcers could suffer “avoidable harm” from these medications, potentially costing the NHS up to £31 million over the next decade due to complications.
NSAIDs are widely used to treat various ailments, from headaches and sprains to chronic pain from arthritis. They are available in multiple forms, including tablets, capsules, creams, gels, and injections. While generally safe for many users, NSAIDs can cause severe side effects in some, such as stomach ulcers, dizziness, and in rare cases, more serious issues like kidney or liver problems, heart attacks, and strokes.
Despite these risks, the study published in The BMJ indicates that NSAIDs are still commonly prescribed to high-risk individuals. The study focused on five vulnerable groups: those on blood thinners, people with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, individuals with a history of peptic ulcers, and those over 65 who are not taking medications to reduce gastric acid secretion.
Economic models suggest that “problematic NSAID prescribing” could lead to an astonishing £31.4 million expenditure for NHS England over the next ten years. The most significant financial impact is expected among patients on blood thinners, with estimated costs of £25.4 million. Older individuals without gastroprotection are projected to incur £2.5 million in expenses, according to Wales Online.
The researchers stated, “NSAIDs continue to be a source of avoidable harm and healthcare cost in these five high-risk populations, especially in inducing an acute event in people with chronic conditions and people taking oral anticoagulants.”
In 2022, naproxen, known for its effectiveness in easing joint and muscle pain, accounted for 69% of all NSAID prescriptions. There has been an increase in prescriptions for COX-2 inhibitors, which are used to alleviate arthritis pain, although NSAID use among patients with heart risks has decreased, the study reveals.
An NHS spokesperson responded: “Prescribers have been working to reduce NSAID prescriptions in England, with a reduction of more than 10% over the past five years. The current strategy aims to optimize medicine use, including reducing potentially addictive drugs like opioids and sleeping pills.”
The spokesperson added, “It’s crucial that patients and healthcare professionals discuss whether to continue, reduce, or stop taking a medicine and consider non-pharmaceutical alternatives to ensure prescriptions are appropriate and effectively use taxpayers’ money.”
