title: The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics by liver transplant recipients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to assess the reasons and the frequency of the use of over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics by liver transplant recipients (LTR). Patient awareness of possible drug-related side-effects was also assessed.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NSAIDs and analgesics available without prescription belong to the most commonly used class of drugs. However, use of these drugs might be complicated by toxic adverse effects (AEs). Patients at risk for AEs include the transplant recipients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive study. An anonymous survey was carried out in 73 randomly selected LTR, who represented 10% of all LTR at our centre.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 64% of the patients who confirmed taking NSAIDs or analgesics; 16% of these patients took these drugs at least several times a week and 10% took them daily. For 39% of patients, the only way to manage their pain were OTC NSAIDs or analgesics. As many as 36% of patients were unaware of the risks associated with the use of these drugs. Ninety per cent of LTR consider physicians the most trusted source of drugs information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study shows that two-thirds of LTR take OTC NSAIDs or analgesics and one-third are unaware of the AEs associated with these drugs. Therefore, both transplant nurses and doctors should educate their patients about the use and possible AE of these drugs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering the high NSAIDs consumption rates, the side effects of these drugs should always be suspected. Especially in patients taking these drugs and referring to medical advisors with specific symptoms, such as: abdominal pain, anaemia, elevated serum creatinine concentration or liver enzymes activity. Awareness of the scale of the problem enables health professionals to cooperate in educating patients. Such practices may reduce uncontrolled abuse of these drugs and related health care costs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mulka-Gierek
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Bartosz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Foroncewicz
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Florczak
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Leszek
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pączek
authors.affiliation: Department of General, Liver and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krawczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.|Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mucha
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D058625:End Stage Liver Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs
keywords: NSAID; OTC; analgesics; awareness; liver transplantation; survey