Published: May 2009

Publications

Medicines interaction reports - NSAIDs

This article is more than five years old. Some content may no longer be current.

Prescriber Update 30(2): 14
May 2009

Recent reports of serious adverse reactions with NSAIDs have highlighted the importance of questioning patients about their use of over the counter medicines (OTC).

CARM has identified four reports of serious adverse reactions to NSAIDs including: gastrointestinal bleed (requiring transfusion); gastric, duodenal and colonic ulcers; acute renal failure; and haematemesis. All four reports were in patients who had taken OTC ibuprofen in addition to prescribed diclofenac or, in patients who had taken excessive doses of OTC ibuprofen for extended periods.

These reports indicated that patients did not read the dosing recommendations or the risks in taking other medicines provided with these products. Prescribers are reminded to advise patients about their use of OTC medicines when prescribing NSAIDs.