Consumption patterns of NSAIDs in central Portugal and the role of pharmacy professionals in promoting their rational use

Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used of all therapeutic agents. In spite of their therapeutic efficacy, concern over the use of NSAIDs is largely related to their adverse effects in different organic systems, as well as their indiscriminate use. There is a lack of studies about the pattern of use of NSAIDs in Portugal. Objective The aim of this study was to characterize the consumption pattern of NSAIDs by adult users in the central region of Portugal, as well as the role of the community pharmacy professionals in counseling and promoting their rational use. Methods A questionnaire survey to determine sociodemographic information and NSAID use characterization was administered to a sample of 450 pharmacy customers between October and November of 2013. Results The prevalence of NSAID use was 57.6 % (95 % CI 53–62). Most of the 259 NSAID users were aged 18–39 years (61.4 %), female (67.6 %), urban zone inhabitants (70.7 %) and practiced self-medication (64.2 %). Self-medication with NSAIDs was significantly ( p ≤ 0.001) related to age, employment status and the use of gastroprotective drugs. The concomitant use of NSAIDs and other medications revealed the possibility of drug interactions in people aged ≥65 years (prevalence ratio 6.3). Of the NSAID users, 47 % reported that they sometimes, rarely or never received pharmacy professional recommendations. However, the majority (76 %) of respondents said that they read medicine leaflets, and considered NSAIDs to be effective and remarkably safe. Conclusions Considering the main results of this study, it is imperative to promote the re-education of the population and improve the consultative role of the pharmacy professionals regarding NSAID use.