Increased use of cardiovascular medications in seniors prescribed non-ASA non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the prescribing of non-ASA non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NANSAID) and the prescribing of select cardiovascular (CV) medications. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the prescribed use of these medications between December 1, 1990 and June 30, 1991 by Albertans 65 years of age and older utilizing data from the publically-funded drug benefit plan. Variables examined were: the number of individuals prescribed NANSAID and CV medications; mean daily dose for these medications; calculated relative dose; the proportion of NANSAID users prescribed CV medications compared to non-users; and the relative proportions of users of specific NANSAID prescribed CV medication. We found that 33.4% and 19.6% of Albertan seniors were prescribed CV medications and NANSAID, respectively. NANSAID users were twice as likely to be prescribed CV medications as compared to non-users. Intermediate/high dose NANSAID users were more likely to be prescribed a CV medication as compared to low-dose users. The risk of being prescribed a CV medication was highest for indomethacin and users of multiple NANSAID, while ibuprofen users had the lowest risk. We conclude that NANSAID users are more likely to be also prescribed CV medications. Subjects who consume a lower dose of NANSAID are less likely to be prescribed CV medications. For different NANSAID, there is a spectrum of risk.
Hogan
D B
DB
Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta.
Campbell
N R
NR
Jennett
P
P
MacLeod
N
N
Brant
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000416:Alberta; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000494:pharmacology; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen; D007213:Indomethacin