NSAIDs by the Numbers [Infographic]

(BPT) - - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, including sprains and strains, flares of back pain, headaches and osteoarthritis. In the U.S., approximately 123 million NSAID prescriptions were written in the last year alone.

The risk of serious cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal adverse events associated with NSAIDs is higher among patients receiving higher doses. A 2005 FDA advisory states that NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals.