Benefits and Risks of NSAIDs for Osteoarthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Fendrick A Mark, Greenberg Bruce P
Primary Institution: University of Michigan Medical Center
Hypothesis
What are the benefits and risks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in managing mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis?
Conclusion
NSAIDs are more effective than acetaminophen for treating osteoarthritis pain, but they carry risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications.
Supporting Evidence
- Clinical studies show that naproxen and ibuprofen are significantly more effective at reducing OA pain than acetaminophen.
- All prescription NSAIDs carry a black box warning regarding cardiovascular risks.
- COX-2-specific inhibitors have been shown to reduce gastrointestinal toxicity compared to nonselective NSAIDs.
Takeaway
This study helps doctors understand how to use pain medications for arthritis safely. Some pain relievers work better than others, but they can also cause problems.
Methodology
The authors conducted a systematic review of clinical studies and literature on NSAIDs for osteoarthritis treatment from 1990 to 2008.
Potential Biases
Potential conflicts of interest due to funding from pharmaceutical companies.
Limitations
The review may not cover all recent studies or emerging data on NSAIDs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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