PSA urges NSAID caution
November 16, 2010
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.
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