Which strategy minimizes NSAID-associated GI risk?

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Multiple Choice

Which strategy minimizes NSAID-associated GI risk?

NSAIDs increase gastric injury by inhibiting prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining. For patients at high GI risk, protecting the stomach with a proton pump inhibitor while continuing NSAID therapy lowers the chance of ulcers and bleeding more effectively than stopping the NSAID or simply avoiding certain drug classes. Co-prescribing a PPI provides targeted protection for those most vulnerable (e.g., prior ulcers, older age, concurrent anticoagulants or steroids) without abandoning NSAID therapy that may be needed for pain control. Using the highest dose for longer increases risk, stopping analgesics isn’t practical for ongoing pain, and avoiding COX‑2 inhibitors entirely isn’t as protective in at-risk patients as adding gastric protection.

NSAIDs increase gastric injury by inhibiting prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining. For patients at high GI risk, protecting the stomach with a proton pump inhibitor while continuing NSAID therapy lowers the chance of ulcers and bleeding more effectively than stopping the NSAID or simply avoiding certain drug classes. Co-prescribing a PPI provides targeted protection for those most vulnerable (e.g., prior ulcers, older age, concurrent anticoagulants or steroids) without abandoning NSAID therapy that may be needed for pain control. Using the highest dose for longer increases risk, stopping analgesics isn’t practical for ongoing pain, and avoiding COX‑2 inhibitors entirely isn’t as protective in at-risk patients as adding gastric protection.

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