title: Aspirin and its expensive substitutes: prescribing patterns and cost implications.
abstract: Relatively expensive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed products, although many rheumatologists continue to recommend aspirin as the initial drug of choice for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. We reviewed 100 charts of patients given NSAIDs in a VA clinic to see how many had relative contraindications for aspirin, such as previous salicylate intolerance, peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or failure to respond to aspirin. Only 28% of patients on the expensive preparations had any of these problems noted in their charts. With an average retail cost difference of $14 to $29 per month, large potential savings exist for those who purchase anti-inflammatory products, if physicians would initially prescribe aspirin for appropriate patients.
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001900:Boston; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001241:Aspirin