Current Issues in Pharmacoeconomics 2 ________________________________________________ __

GI injury increases cost of NSAID therapy

Gastrointestinal (GI) injury induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) incurs substantial costs, thus alternative medications may be more cost effective in the treatment of patients with chronic pain or inflammatory disorders. These are the main findings of a review by Dr David Bjorkman from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, US.

Treabnent of GI injury costly Dr Bjorkman points out that the GI symptoms

caused by NSAIDs may lead to further morbidity and therefore significantly increase the overall cost of NSAID therapy.

He also points out that the cost of preventing NSAID-induced GI injuries is substantial. Careful assessment of risk factors may significantly reduce these costs. In patients at high risk for GI complication, prophylactic therapy should be considered.

Need for prophylaxis adds to cost However, the need for prophylactic therapy

significantly increases the overall cost of NSAID therapy. Prophylactic therapy is costly and not always successful, notes Dr Bjorkman. Misoprostol is the only agent that has been shown to prevent NSAID­induced gastric and duodenal ulcers, he says.

'Development of NSAIDs with fewer adverse Gl effects and nonaddictive analgesics may provide improved therapy for patients with chronic pain or inflammatory diseases', he concludes. Bjorkman OJ. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal injury. American Journal of Medicine 101: 25-32. 31 Jul 1996 800<679')8

PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 7 Sap 1996 No. 78 1173·5503/9610078-0002/$01.00" Adi. 'nt.,motiona' Limited 1996. All right. ruerved