What Doctors Don't Tell YouNon steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly dispensed for the aches and pains of the elderly. A recent study, however, suggests that this group of people may be the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of this class of drug.
Blood tests on a total of 4,099 people aged 70 and older, living in four US states, were taken over a six year period. Fifteen percent of the study population reported regular use of NSAIDs. Results showed that chronic NSAID users had the highest level of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatine, common laboratory markers for kidney dysfunction (J Am Geriat Soc, 1999; 47: 507-11).
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
