Adverse gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs: consequences and costs.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most widely consumed medications. They are available by prescription and 'over the counter'. The same pharmacological properties which make them effective in the treatment of a variety of painful and/or arthritic conditions are responsible for a variety of adverse gastrointestinal effects, ranging from relatively mild dyspepsia to potentially lethal gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and perforated ulcers. Yearly medical costs of GI complications associated with the use of NSAIDs are very high and likely to increase with the growth of the ageing US population. A review of the literature (1970-2000) on consequences and costs of NSAID-associated GI adverse effects, including iatrogenic cost factors of NSAIDs, was performed. The results were tabulated and compared. Knowledge and comparison of the consequences and costs of NSAID-associated GI adverse effects in various populations and across various health care systems are important for clinical care, pharmacoeconomics and policy arenas.