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Aspirin and its expensive substitutes: prescribing patterns and cost implications
Journal of Community Health
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Many rheumatologists prescribe expensive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) despite aspirin being a cost-effective alternative. A review found most patients on NSAIDs lacked contraindications for aspirin, suggesting potential cost savings.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions.
- Aspirin remains a common initial recommendation by rheumatologists due to its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prescribing patterns of NSAIDs versus aspirin in a Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic.
- To determine the prevalence of contraindications to aspirin use among patients prescribed more expensive NSAIDs.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of 100 patients prescribed NSAIDs was conducted.
- Patient records were analyzed for documented contraindications to aspirin, including salicylate intolerance, peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or aspirin treatment failure.
Main Results:
- Only 28% of patients receiving more expensive NSAIDs had documented contraindications for aspirin in their charts.
- A significant cost difference of $14 to $29 per month exists between aspirin and other NSAIDs.
Conclusions:
- The current prescribing of expensive NSAIDs may be suboptimal, as many patients lack contraindications for aspirin.
- Prescribing aspirin as an initial therapy for appropriate patients could lead to substantial cost savings.