Alert
on
Analgesics and Non-steroidal
Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Yolanda
R. Robles, PhD
Last January 22, 2004, the US Food and
Drug Administration launched a massive consumer education campaign
on over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers and NSAIDs. In addition,
the agency urged health professionals to help the public understand
how to safely use these drugs.
Why the current
concern on pain relievers and NSAIDs? This was prompted by the findings
of a review which revealed cases of severe liver injury related
to the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol). The use of aspirin and
other NSAIDs was associated with cases of stomach bleeding and kidney
injury. While these conditions were brought about by improper use
of these drugs, the presence and extent of adverse effects differ
from one NSAID to the other.
The undesirable effects of these drugs could be avoided if only
patients were educated on how these drugs are taken properly. Taking
more than the usual dose of acetaminophen may result to liver damage.
Taking it with three or more glasses of alcoholic drinks could increase,
and hasten the onset of, damage. For NSAIDs, there are people who
are prone to experience stomach bleeding and kidney injury. If the
patient is over 60 years old, is taking an anticoagulant and had
previous stomach ulcers and other bleeding problems, then he/she
is more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort.
Health professionals like doctors, nurses
and pharmacists should make patients more aware of the consequences
of misuse of drugs. Patients should be encouraged to recognize ingredients
on the label of drugs to avoid exceeding or duplicating the required
dose as there are many products in the market which contain the
same ingredients in either single or combination formulations.
It is recommended by FDA that the patients
be educated on the following information by their doctors and pharmacists:
• That any OTC analgesic is
a drug which should be taken with caution
• That there are various formulations
containing analgesics and NSAIDs in various strengths
• The correct dosing regimen
for these drugs
• The correct weight-based
dose for each child
• The use of correct measuring
device for liquid formulations
• Drinking alcoholic drinks
is not compatible with analgesic and NSAID use
• Risks of taking OTC analgesics
with other prescription or non-prescription drugs
• Signs and symptoms of the
side and adverse effects of the drugs
• Potential risks when two
or more pain relievers are used together.
Below are the
generic names of drugs belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
group (NSAIDs) that are available in the Philippines.
Table
1. Common non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs in the Philippines 
|
