Gastrointestinal symptoms in NSAID users in an 'average risk population': results of a large population-based study in randomly selected Dutch inhabitants

Summary Aim Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is widespread and associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and complications. The aims of this study were to assess (i) gastrointestinal symptoms in users of prescribed and over‐the‐counter (OTC) NSAIDs and (ii) proton pump inhibitor (PPI) co‐prescription rates in NSAID users at increased risk for gastrointestinal complications. Methods Surveys were sent to a randomly selected sample of the adult Dutch general population in December 2008. Questions included demographics, gastrointestinal symptoms, medication use and comorbidity. Main outcome measure was presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Results A total of 18,317 surveys were returned (response rate 35%), of which 16,758 surveys were eligible for analysis. Of these, 3233 participants (19%) reported NSAID use. NSAID users more frequently reported gastrointestinal symptoms than persons not using NSAIDs (33% vs. 24%, p