Patients Undertreated and Uninformed on Pain Meds and NSAIDs Save

Pain management in the U.S. is at a vexing crossroad. The news tells us that narcotics are increasingly being restricted for their dangerous side effects and inappropriate use. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often avoided for their gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular effects, and acetaminophen is touted to either be ineffective or more hepatotoxic than appreciated by most. 

A new industry-sponsored, nationwide survey, "Understanding America's Pain," reveals many people have several misconceptions about NSAIDs, including their risks. 

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.

This online survey conducted in December 2015 involved 1056 US adults, and nearly 60% were medication users.  Some of the highpoints of this survey included:

• Nearly half of those surveyed (47%) say they do not know what NSAIDs are.
• Many are unable to identify common NSAIDs as pain-relievers, including that ibuprofen (42%) does not belong to the NSAID class of medicine. 
• 58% acknowledge there are risks associated with NSAIDs, but only 27% were aware of FDA recommendations to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
• Side effects are prevalent: Among those who take prescription NSAIDs or OTC pain medication, 62% experienced at least one side effect.
• Only 31% who experience pain feel their pain is completely controlled and only half (48%) of medication users say they are very confident in the safety and efficacy of their pain medications.
• About one in three people (34%) who have pain admit they typically ignore it.
• Americans report that pain disrupts normal, everyday activities, such as exercise (57%), walking (45%), household chores (45%) and even sexual activity (40%).
• Over half with pain are not discussing pain treatment with their healthcare professional. Almost 6 in 10 (58%) do not discuss how to manage pain with their doctor.

​This survey was sponsored by IROKO pharmaceuticals, and manufacturer or prescription NSAIDs.