Recently published in Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, researchers investigated the usage of NSAIDs in older patients. Due to their life-threatening side effects, NSAIDs are not favored in treatment of pain in the elderly. Using a cross-sectional analysis from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data, prescriptions for NSAIDs, opioids, and adjuvants agents were identified. The results of the study showcased an alarming “89% of the 206,879,848 weighted visits in the US from 2000 to 2007 recorded NSAIDs prescriptions (mean age = 75.4 years).” The study recommends, “investigating the appropriateness of the high prevalence of NSAIDs use among older patients.”
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