Most of us are aware that there are ‘side effects’ to taking pharmaceuticals.  Actually, more specifically, they cause changes to the biochemistry of the body so they always have effects which are often undesirable. Some of the problems with the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) is described in this extract from a paper published in a medical journal in 2016:   

‘Preventable adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are responsible for 10% of hospital admissions in older people at a cost of around £800 million annually. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are responsible for 30% of hospital admissions for ADRs, mainly due to bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and renal damage.¹In primary care 6% of patients prescribed NSAIDs reconsulted their GP with a potential ADR over the next 2 months. Most of these ADRs are avoidable because vulnerable groups and drug interactions can be predicted. Given that over 15 million NSAID prescriptions were dispensed in England in 2014, even a low rate of ADRs translates into a major cumulation of harm. Despite contraindications and guidance for the use of NSAIDs, their use in high-risk groups remains substantial and there has been no overall reduction in volume of NSAID prescribing.’

There are many concerns here but the fact that the stated end result of this is harm is surely extremely significant?  And then there is the mind-boggling resulting cost, financial and human.  Most of us are aware too of the burgeoning opioid crisis which is regularly featured in the mainstream press. Apparently, the UK now has the highest rate of prescription use per capita in the world.  Surely, not a badge of honour?