Patterns of out-patients non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescribing in two teaching hospital rheumatology units--implications for post-marketing surveillance.
Patterns of prescriptions or recommendations for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were examined in the out-patient departments of two teaching hospital rheumatology units [The General Infirmary, Leeds (n = 140), and Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast (n = 77)]. In both units four drugs accounted for over 80% of prescriptions/recommendations (diclofenac, indomethacin, ibuprofen and naproxen in Leeds and flurbiprofen, nabumetone, ibuprofen and diclofenac in Belfast). In Leeds patients with pre-existing upper gastrointestinal problems were more likely to receive diclofenac whereas in Belfast they were more likely to receive nabumetone or ibuprofen. In Leeds, patients who received indomethacin tended to be young males with seronegative arthritis. These differences between drugs and between centres could have important implications for cost, design and interpretation of studies of post-marketing surveillance.
Pullar
T
T
University Department of Medicine, General Infirmary, Leeds, U.K.
Murphy
B
B
Taggart
A
A
Wright
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing / Q000191:economics; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal