( eart failure and myocardial infarction....)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could cause gastrointestinal complications.,Health

eart failure and myocardial infarction.

'We were pleased to note that both NSAID-associated GI complications and death have been decreasing since 1992, which we believe can be attributed to several factors: use of lower-dose NSAIDs; decreasing prevalence of H. pylori; increasing use of proton-pump inhibitors; and the introduction of NSAIDs with greater GI safety, such as coxibs,' said Dr. Wilcox. "However, healthcare providers and patients need to be aware of the risks associated with these drugs to develop the best plan for using NSAID therapy.'

The panel developed the following recommendations for healthcare providers to use when determining whether to prescribe NSAID treatment to their patients: Review the treatment indication and potential patient risk factors, both for GI and cardiovascular complications, and discuss potential cardiovascular risk factor modifications with their patients.

Prescribe lower-risk agents after conducting a risk-benefit analysis to determine the GI versus cardiovascular risks for each individual. Patients who are at greater risk of GI bleeding should receive NSAIDs with lower GI risks, such as nsNSAIDs; patients with a greater risk of cardiovascular events should not receive COX-2 inhibitors; and patients with known or a high risk of cardiovascular disease should receive low-dose aspirin.

Limit the duration and dosage of the prescribed NSAID and ask about and advise their patients on combination NSAID therapy. Treat patients with H. pylori infection prior to beginning NSAID therapy so as not to increase the risk of complicated ulcers.

Institute gastroprotection methods, such as misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), for patients at high-risk of GI complications.

"The association of NSAID use with lower-GI tract complications is important diagnostically and therapeutically," explained Dr. Wilcox. "A better understanding of risk factors for and mechanisms of
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