Consumer knowledge about over‐the‐counter NSAIDs: they don't know what they don't know

Abstract

Objective: To investigate consumers' knowledge about commonly purchased over-the-counter (OTC) products containing ibuprofen.Methods: Customers buying two popular OTC ibuprofen-containing products (Nurofen or Nurofen Plus) were asked to complete a short survey assessing their knowledge about the products. Results:The survey was completed by 262 respondents, most of whom were older than 50 years of age; female; well-educated; with adequate functional health literacy. The majority correctly identified ibuprofen as an active ingredient and knew the correct intervals between doses. However, almost a third couldn't correctly identify the maximum daily dose and were unaware of some contraindications. Furthermore, fewer than half recognised potential side effects. Those who hadn't completed high school were significantly less likely to seek medical advice (when required) and significantly less likely to know when it was safe to take these products. Conclusions:The gaps in consumer knowledge, especially about the maximum daily dose, contraindications and potential side effects may be placing consumers at risk of experiencing ibuprofen-related adverse events.Implications for public health: Improving consumer knowledge to address these gaps in their understanding about the safe use of popular OTC ibuprofen-containing products is an important public health concern.

Practices of healthcare professionals in communicating with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users in Thailand: a qualitative study

“…Explaining the need to avoid duplicating NSAIDs was mentioned by only two interviewees, despite the potentially dangerous combination of prescription and non‐prescription NSAIDs being widespread . Few interviewees referred to the need to avoid NSAIDs or use them short term in older people or to exercise caution in patients with risk factors or concomitant drug use which could increase their chances of adverse events . The potential for acute effects on the kidney was only discussed in long‐term users.…”

“…[26] Few interviewees referred to the need to avoid NSAIDs or use them short term in older people or to exercise caution in patients with risk factors or concomitant drug use which could increase their chances of adverse events. [3,4,12,13,20,[29][30][31] The potential for acute effects on the kidney [7] was only discussed in long-term users.…”

“…However, there are potentially serious long‐term risks associated with using NSAIDs, in addition to the well‐known side effects, about which those using these medicines should be informed . Studies in many countries show that awareness of side effects and risks associated with NSAIDs among those who use them is poor . In Thailand, more than in many other countries, this group of drugs is widely available since they can be purchased without prescription from pharmacies, and NSAIDs are extensively used .…”

“…[6,7] Studies in many countries show that awareness of side effects and risks associated with NSAIDs among those who use them is poor. [1,3,4,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In Thailand, more than in many other countries, this group of drugs is widely available since they can be purchased without prescription from pharmacies, and NSAIDs are extensively used. [15] Not surprisingly, therefore, NSAIDs are consistently reported to the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) as the second most frequent cause of adverse effects.…”

Review: The choice and cardiovascular safety of particular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

“…Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of NSAIDs comprise a serious public health problem as these drugs are in high demand and so are sometimes overused [6]. NSAIDs mainly affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidney function and the CV system; however, the magnitude of the risk for these organ systems may depend on the choice of a particular NSAID and its dosage [7].…”