Quality of life in users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

In clinical practice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for a wide variety of painful conditions, in many of which inflammation is not a fundamental feature. Despite this they are favourably perceived by patients and limited data suggest that when used for relatively 'minor' conditions they are probably more effective than paracetamol. However, some patients develop life-threatening complications from these drugs. Assessment of Quality of Life (QOL) in NSAID users represents a balance between the adverse effects of the underlying condition, the QOL disturbance from side effects from NSAID use and the benefits and side effects of drugs used as prophylaxis against NSAID complications. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) is a well-established scale measuring QOL in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but there are fewer established instruments for use in patients using NSAIDs for other conditions.