Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs Calls for Appropriate Use of NSAIDs in Wake of New FDA Guidelines on Opioid Use

EUGENE, Ore., Sept. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that labeling for extended-release/long-acting (ER/LA) opioid pain relievers will no longer state that the intended use includes treatment of moderate pain. With the new restrictions on the use of these opioids, clinicians and patients will likely look to prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as alternatives to manage moderate pain. The Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs wants to remind consumers to use any NSAID at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time required to achieve a desired therapeutic outcome.

NSAIDs are one of the most commonly used medications in the United States for pain relief– more than 23 million people use them on a daily basis. Although generally safe when used properly, when used improperly, NSAIDs can cause severe adverse events affecting the digestive system, kidneys and heart.

"Proper use of NSAIDs can save at least 100,000 hospital admissions per year," said Dr. Byron Cryer, chair of the Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs. "The Alliance's mission to support safe and effective use of NSAIDs is critical, particularly as the FDA limits the use of extended-release/long-acting opioids."

Previously, ER/LA opioids were indicated for moderate to severe pain in patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment for an extended period of time. The labels will now state that this category of drugs is indicated "for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment and for which alternative treatments are inadequate." The new label is an effort to curb the addicting misuse and abuse of the drug.

The Alliance serves as a public health coalition to promote proper NSAID usage. To guide appropriate use and lessen the risk of side effects, the Alliance seeks to promote compliance with the FDA's strong recommendation that all NSAIDs be administered at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, while taking into account patient-specific risk factors and clinical needs.

To learn more about effective use of NSAIDs, visit: NSAIDAlliance.com. Follow us on Twitter at @NSAIDAware.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Sousa
TogoRun
Tel: 1-202-828-2200
E-mail: [email protected]  

About the Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs
The Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs is a public health coalition dedicated to the safe and appropriate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The Alliance aims to bridge the gap between guidance and clinical practice, educating health care professionals and the public at-large on the appropriate use of NSAID therapy—maximizing benefits while reducing risks, and improving health care delivery. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.NSAIDAlliance.com.

SOURCE Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs