An evidence-based approach to prescribing NSAIDs in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: The...

The Second Canadian Consensus Conference was convened to discuss the latest developments in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to make evidence-based recommendations, specifically regarding the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for these indications in primary care practice. The recent availability of cyclo-oxygenase-2-specific inhibitors has raised questions as to their role in the pharmacological management of OA and RA, particularly in relation to conventional treatments such as acetaminophen and nonspecific NSAIDs (with or without misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors). The recommendations in this document, which were arrived at through critical review of data from published randomized, clinical trials, deal with treatments of choice, information to discuss with patients, use of NSAIDs in patients at risk for serious upper gastrointestinal complications, renal or hepatic impairment or congestive heart failure, appropriate follow-up, and the use of NSAIDs with anti- hypertensives, warfarin, low dose acetylsalicylic acid and other medications. The goal of these recommendations is to improve patient outcomes in the primary care setting by maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing rates of adverse events.