[Which information should be given to the patient concerning the cardiovascular and renal risk of the NSAIDs?].

Objective: Patient information is a topical subject. The aim of this review is to present the rare studies concerning the degree of patient information on the cardiovascular and renal risks of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to suggest some recommendations on this subject.

Methodology: After analysis of the literature (Medline search - January 2006), a series of recommendations has been drawn up following discussion among experts from different specialties (clinical epidemiology, rheumatology, cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology).

Recommendations: It appears necessary to warn all patients of the potential risk of hyperkalemia, renal insufficiency and/or hydrosodium retention (decompensation of an arterial hypertension or a cardiac insufficiency), especially subjects who present risk factors such as age over 75 years, a dehydration, a pre-existing renal disorder, etc. Concerning the risk of arterial thrombotic incident (coronary or cerebral), it is important to indicate that this risk is rare and seems to be observed particularly during prolonged treatments and at high dose.