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Changing perceptions and practices regarding aspirin, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and cyclooxygenase‐2 selective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs among US primary care providers
Author(s) -
ELNACHEF N.,
SCHEIMAN J. M.,
FENDRICK A. M.,
HOWDEN C. W.,
CHEY W. D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03836.x
Subject(s) - medicine , rofecoxib , aspirin , celecoxib , nonsteroidal , cyclooxygenase , antipyretic , proton pump inhibitor , pharmacology , intensive care medicine , analgesic , biochemistry , chemistry , enzyme
Summary Background Our understanding of the benefits and risks of aspirin non steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) selective NSAIDs and gastro‐protective agents (GPAs) continues to expand. Aim To assess the perceptions and practices of US primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding the use of aspirin, NSAIDs, COX‐2 selective NSAIDs and GPA. Methods A 34‐question survey was administered to 1000 US PCPs via the internet. Questions addressed issues involving aspirin, NSAIDs, COX‐2 selective NSAIDs, and GPAs. Around 491 of 1000 PCPs had participated in a similar survey conducted in 2003. Results Eighty‐five per cent of PCPs reported that >25% of their patients were taking aspirin for preventive reasons. Nineteen per cent performed a risk calculation when deciding whether to start aspirin for cardioprotection. Fifty‐four per cent recommended a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for a patient with a recently healed ulcer who required ongoing aspirin. Thirty‐one per cent reported prescribing NSAIDs more often and 52% were more likely to recommend a GPA with an NSAID than in 2003. Although PCPs were less likely to recommend a COX‐2 selective NSAID compared to 2003, only 41% felt that rofecoxib increased cardiovascular risk. One‐third felt that celecoxib and traditional NSAIDs were associated with increased cardiac risk. Conclusion This survey identified several areas of ongoing confusion regarding aspirin, NSAIDs, COX‐2 selective NSAIDs and GPAs, which should help direct future educational efforts regarding the benefits, risks and appropriate use of these agents.