Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed but can have serious gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular side effects, which have led to the withdrawal of some of these drugs and continuing uncertainty about the best approach to patients requiring NSAID therapy, particularly in those with GI or cardiovascular risk factors. To define the risks to the GI and cardiovascular systems associated with NSAID therapy, we have undertaken a series of systematic reviews of original articles published between January 1995 and December 2006. In this article we describe the mechanisms and patterns of GI and cardiovascular side effects in NSAID-taking patients and identify a range of drug and patient factors that contribute to an increased risk of adverse events. We conclude that NSAID therapy should not be started unless it is essential, and that Helicobacter pylori eradication should be considered in patients at increased GI risk. We discuss the use of gastroprotective agents and provide practical advice to help physicians assess and balance both cardiovascular and GI risks and benefits in their prescribing decisions.
Jones
Roger
R
Department of General Practice and Primary Care, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK. roger.jones@kcl.ac.uk
Rubin
Greg
G
Berenbaum
Francis
F
Scheiman
James
J
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000502:physiology; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D016595:Misoprostol; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases