In Brief: AMA on NSAIDs

AMA on NSAIDs: Consumers using OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be "placing themselves at risk for a catastrophic problem," including dyspepsia, mucosal lesions or ulcers, Michael Kimmey, MD, University of Washington, tells July 17 "media briefing" on pain held by the American Medical Association and sponsored by an Ortho-McNeil educational grant. According to Kimmey, 50% to 80% of people who go to hospitals for GI bleeding are taking NSAIDs. An AMA release notes that "there are other drugs for pain without gastrointestinal toxicity -- including acetaminophen." The Aspirin Foundation of America, in a same-day statement, argues that the program "appears to be one in a series of 'scientific' programs sponsored by Ortho-McNeil...which highlight purported adverse effects of analgesics that compete with Tylenol." The programs are an "important part" of the company's "marketing program for Tylenol," AFA maintains...