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For the Media

¨      More than 30 million consumers take common, non-steroidal   anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) daily.[1]

¨      Each year in the U.S. alone, more than 16,500 people die and 103,000 are hospitalized from serious side effects of NSAIDs.[2] 

¨      Recent studies have shown that the use of over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs increases the risk of stomach bleeding by two to three times[3] and that most serious side effects can occur without warning.[4]

In light of the above, the National Consumers League commissioned a survey[5] to gauge consumers’ knowledge and concern of the serious side-effects of these pain relievers. The results showed:

¨      Well over half – or 64% – of all respondents were unconcerned about the possibility of suffering serious side effects, including stomach bleeding or ulcers.

¨      Only 24% of all respondents strongly agreed that some OTC medications can cause serious adverse reactions.

¨      Only 30% of all respondents strongly agreed that OTC pain medicines should not be taken for longer than 10 days without talking to a doctor.

¨      Only 33% of all respondents strongly agreed that they always take over-the-counter medicines according to the directions on the package.