A scoping review of non-medical and extra-medical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Brennan, Rebekah, Wazaify, Mayyada, Shawabkeh, Haneen, Boardley, Ian, McVeigh, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5319-6885 and Van Hout, Marie Claire (2021) A scoping review of non-medical and extra-medical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Drug Safety, 44 (9). pp. 917-928. ISSN 0114-5916

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Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used medications worldwide and have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although NSAIDs are recognised as generally safe and effective, non-medical and extra-medical use of these products can arise. Unlike use of illegal and many prescription drugs, which are subject to extensive research attention, inappropriate use of NSAIDs has been less well investigated. This scoping review collates and describes what is known regarding non-medical and extra-medical use of NSAIDs. Seventy two studies were included in this scoping review. Three themes emerged from the review: Theme 1: Indicative profile of people who engage in non-medical or extra medical use of NSAIDS; Theme 2: Antecedents for non-medical or extra-medical use; and Theme 3: Adverse health effects of non-medical and extra-medical use of NSAIDs. The review concluded that there is a need for enhanced patient education, including among sports people, pharmacovigilance in terms of clinician recognition of aberrance and prescriber and pharmacist awareness of the potential for extra medical, non-medical use and the related health harms.