Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | P | PR Newswire

New Research Shows Approximately Half of Americans Misuse Common Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers; Serious Gastrointestinal Complications from Common OTC and Prescription Pain Relievers Linked to More Than 100,000 Hospitalizations Each Year.

Article Excerpt
DES PLAINES, Ill. and DALLAS, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately one in two Americans misuse common pain relievers, which may include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, according to results of a new nationwide survey released today by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). The survey also found that more than three-quarters of respondents have never spoken to a doctor or nurse about any potential risks associated with these medications, many of which can be purchased without a prescription, or "over the counter" (OTC).

Most OTC pain relievers fall into the category of drugs called nonspecific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are generally safe and effective when used properly for managing pain, but can cause serious complications such as stomach bleeding when misused. Stomach problems from NSAIDs, including OTC and prescription, have been linked with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and more than 16,000 deaths per year in the United States.

"The results found in this survey are disturbing given that millions of people take NSAIDs every day," said J. Brian Hancock, MD, President of...