Avoid prescribing NSAIDs without a specific reason and without assessing the risk of side effects

Rationale:

NSAIDs have side effects such as ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular disease. Elderly patients and those with cardiovascular risk, impaired kidney function, or those using ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, anticoagulants, or antithrombotic agents are particularly vulnerable.

References:

• Vascular and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised trials. Lancet. 2013 Aug 31;382(9894):769-7.
• Riktigere bruk av NSAIDs, KUPP, St Olavs Hospital, Avdeling for klinisk farmakologi, www.stolav.no/farma.