ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
Key words Anti-inflammatory agents
;
Non-steroidal
;
Drug utilisation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Objective: We examined to what extent the evidence of the relative gastrointestinal toxicity with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was implemented in clinical practice in Bologna, Italy, Funen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, areas with accurate computerised information on prescriptions purchased by defined populations. Methods: We ranked each NSAID by purchased volume in defined daily doses during September 1996 and compared it with the ranking of gastrointestinal complications from a meta-analysis of controlled epidemiological studies published between 1986 and 1994. We restricted our comparison to those NSAIDs that accounted for 90% of the use and within this DU90% segment we determined the proportion of “high risk” (azapropazone, ketoprofen, piroxicam) and “low risk” (ibuprofen, diclofenac) drugs with respect to gastrointestinal toxicity. Results: In Funen, Denmark, we found the best NSAID profile (63% low risk/11% high risk) while Bologna, Italy, had the other extreme (26% low risk/38% high risk), with Stockholm, Sweden, in between (43% low risk/20% high risk). Conclusion: Our study suggests that factors other than evidence-based medicine had a dominating impact on the use of prescription NSAIDs in 1996.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002280000144
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