Gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs - pharmacoeconomic implications

NSAIDs are frequently used as analgesics. They have a high incidence of GI adverse effects that have both social and economic costs. These costs impose a considerable strain on healthcare resources. This review discusses the epidemiology and economic cost of these adverse GI events. It also highlights the variability in risk and the impact of newer drugs. Risk stratification and the subsequent guided use of NSAIDs is likely to limit the pharmacoeconomic implications.