NSAIDs and Renal Impairment: Deprescribing Chronic NSAID use in General Practice

Aim NSAIDs are high-risk medicines that can commonly cause adverse renal effects. Recent evidence suggests a rise in the number of patients with acute and chronic renal disease. The aim of this audit is to determine our de-prescribing rate of chronic NSAID use in an Irish general practice. Methods We reviewed NSAID-containing drug prescriptions that were issued over a three month period in 2018. A description analysis was performed to ascertain for the frequency and type of NSAIDs prescribed. An educational session was delivered to clinicians to encourage de-prescribing of NSAIDs if deemed clinically appropriate. Results Fifty-one NSAID-containing prescriptions were identified. Thirty-six (71%) patients, who were prescribed a regular NSAID, were aged between 71-85 years. Meloxicam was used the most (31%), whilst the preferred NSAIDs (naproxen and ibuprofen) were used least (18%). A 37% improvement in de-prescribing of chronic NSAIDs was achieved upon re-auditing. Conclusion NSAIDs are commonly implicated in inappropriate prescribing. Clinicians are encouraged to practice de-prescribing at every opportunity. Recent evidence suggests that pharmacy-led educational interventions can further assist de-prescribing of inappropriate medicines. Thus, a close collaboration between physicians and pharmacists is encouraged to further maximise quality of prescribing and patient care.