Pharmacy Daily | PSA urges NSAID caution

A LARGE proportion of Australians are not aware that heart problems or heart disease could be a potential risk factor associated with taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), according to a new survey being cited today by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The ‘Pure Profile’ poll found that 81% of the 1004 participants were wholly unaware of the heart risks posed by NSAIDs. In addition around 50% of those that were currently taking a NSAID said that they had either been diagnosed with a heart condition (such as heart disease or stroke), or had a direct family member who was living with a heart condition. Paradoxically, 59% of those surveyed told researchers that they always read medicine packaging. “These results suggest that people aren’t fully informed about the medicines they are taking despite claiming to read the packaging,” said PSA National President Warwick Plunkett. “It’s important for those at higher risk, such as those with heart disease, or who have a family history of heart disease, to be more vigilant regarding the type of pain relievers they are using,” he added. These figures are particularly alarming given the high levels of NSAID consumption for pain within the nation, coupled with the fact that cardiovascular disease is one of Australia’s largest health conditions, currently affecting around 3.4 million citizens, he said. “It’s important for people with identifiable risk factors to take all necessary precautions – including using pain relievers that are most suitable for them,” Plunkett added. “The good news from the research is that people who have been diagnosed with a heart condition, or had a direct family member who has been diagnosed, are more likely to ask their pharmacist for advice before purchasing oral, over-the-counter pain relievers compared to those who have not,” he added. As a result of the findings the PSA is urging pharmacists to be vigilant in discussing the potential CVD risk factors with patients, posed by oral NSAIDs.

---

The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 16 Nov 10
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 16 Nov 10