NEW YORK, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for more education about the side effects that can result from taking commonly used pain relievers, also known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These medications, which include drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, have been linked to potentially fatal side effects such as ulcers and severe stomach bleeding. Startling statistics show that use of these medications leads to more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths each year in the United States -- equaling more deaths than from AIDS and more than four times as many deaths as those from cervical cancer. In fact, NSAID overuse is one of the leading causes of stomach problems, such as bleeding ulcers.
NSAIDs are taken by more than 30 million Americans every day for a swift and easy solution to discomfort caused by everything from headaches to arthritis. Even though they can be effective, many Americans are unaware that they may be at risk for developing serious side effects -- and 4 out of 5 people do not experience any warning symptoms. To help educate the public, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) today launched the REDUCE Campaign (Risk Education to Decrease Ulcer Complications and their Effects from NSAIDs). Partnering with Tim Conway, best known for his Emmy Award- winning performance on The Carol Burnett Show, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the serious health risks associated with NSAIDs.
“I had a bleeding ulcer last year after taking baby aspirin as a preventive against heart attacks. My doctor couldn’t tell for sure that the baby aspirin caused my ulcer, but I can tell you this -- it was painful, it was scary and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” said Tim Conway, who is currently on tour with Harvey Korman for a variety show called Together Again. “I’m involved in the REDUCE Campaign to warn people about the dangers of common everyday pain relievers -- so that what happened to me doesn’t happen to them.”
NSAIDs have been associated with side effects ranging from stomach upset to stomach bleeding, stomach pain, ulcers and even death. Everyone can be at some risk for developing these side effects and there is no medical test to determine the level of individual risk. Certain factors, such as being over the age of 60, incidence of previous ulcers, taking steroid medications or blood thinners, and misuse of NSAIDs, also increase the potential for side effects.
“The side effects that can result from use of NSAIDs are a serious and highly unrecognized health risk,” said C. Mel Wilcox, M.D., chair of the REDUCE Campaign, secretary of the AGA, and a professor of medicine and director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. “Potentially deadly stomach problems can begin within weeks of taking the medication and without warning symptoms.”
Consumers can take steps to help prevent health problems by reading the label on medications and following the instructions. Also, medications that decrease acid in the stomach, called proton pump inhibitors, can reduce the risk of NSAID side effects. Other options include taking acetaminophen instead of a NSAID or taking one of the newer NSAIDs, including meloxicam or COX-2 inhibitors, which may cause fewer stomach problems.
The public can visit http://www.2reduce.org/ or call 1-888-2REDUCE to learn more about potential NSAID side effects and receive a brochure highlighting common risk factors, potential warning signs that a problem may exist and tips to help reduce one’s risk.
About the REDUCE Campaign
Originally launched in 1998, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has brought back the REDUCE Campaign in direct response to the need for greater education about the risks of NSAIDs, as called for last year by the FDA Non-Prescription Drug Advisory Committee (NDAC). The outcome of the NDAC hearing, which took place on September 20, 2002, was that awareness is key given that consumers don’t read medication labels and/or have difficulty reading complicated labels. Information presented at the hearing was reinforced by a 2003 survey, finding that almost half of Americans who took over-the-counter NSAIDs in the last year took more than the recommended dose, thus increasing their potential for developing a side effect to NSAIDs. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is a partner to AGA on parts of the campaign focusing on pharmacist and consumer education.
About the PSA Campaign
Through print and television public service announcements (PSAs), as well as radio spots, the AGA’s REDUCE Campaign PSA is designed to increase awareness about the potential side effects that can develop following use of NSAIDs. The television PSA (30-seconds), titled “The View,” illustrates that severe, life threatening problems can develop -- and without warning.
About the American Gastroenterological Association
Founded in 1897 the AGA is the oldest non-profit specialty medical society in the country. With more than 13,000 domestic and international members, the AGA is the largest GI society in the United States and among the largest GI societies in the world. AGA membership encompasses a rich and diverse constituency representing every facet of gastroenterology practice, research and education. More information on gastroenterology and digestive health issues can be accessed at AGA’s Web site http://www.gastro.org/.
The REDUCE Campaign is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc. AGA and APhA have complete editorial control of the content over this educational effort.
American Gastroenterological Association
CONTACT: Melissa Furrie of Manning Selvage & Lee, +1-212-468-4328, forthe AGA; or Jessica Willocks of the American Gastroenterological Association,+1-301-941-2625