Survey: Consumers confused over NSAIDs
PHILADELPHIA - Despite widespread prevalence of pain and the high volume of pain medications used in the U.S., a new nationwide survey, "Understanding America's Pain," reveals many people lack a basic understanding about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including the risks associated with them.
“This survey provides the patient perspective regarding commonly used pain medications and highlights the need for further education. Iroko is committed to educating patients regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation to use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest duration,” stated Clarence Young, SVP and chief medical officer of Iroko Pharmaceuticals.
According to the “Understanding America’s Pain” Survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults:
Nearly half of those surveyed (47%) say they do not know what NSAIDs are;
Many who responded saying that they are aware of NSAIDs, failed to correctly identify common pain-relievers, such as believing ibuprofen (42%) does not belong to the NSAID class of medicine;
Approximately half of medication users (58%) acknowledge that there are risks associated with NSAIDs, but only 27% are aware of the U.S. FDA recommendations to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration; and
Only 3 in 10 (31%) who experience pain feel that their pain is completely controlled and only half (48%) of medication users say they are very confident that the medications they take are the safest and most effective for their pain symptoms.
The survey findings are just one part of a broader lack of awareness that consumers have about treating pain. People often do not take the proper steps to manage pain and pain continues to interfere with their everyday lives:
About one in three people (34%) who have pain admit that they typically ignore it;
In spite of their efforts to treat pain, Americans report that pain disrupts normal, everyday activities, such as exercise (57%), walking (45%), household chores (45%) and even sexual activity (40%);
Six in 10 (63%) Americans with children have missed at least one of their child’s events because of pain;
Many who experience pain are not discussing pain management or treatment options with a healthcare professional. Almost 6 in 10 (58%) do not discuss how to manage pain with their doctor and 54% are not taking the opportunity to consult a doctor about the steps they take to relieve pain; and
Many medication users (52%) are not aware of low dose pain medication options.
In 2014, 123 million prescriptions were filled for NSAIDs in the U.S., and it is reported that one-third of the general population have used OTC NSAIDs.
