An Up-to-Date Description of the Use of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Italy: Evidence from Real Clinical Practice

• DOI: 10.1007/s12325-025-03153-3
• Publication Date: 2025-03-19T12:31:12Z
• Authors: Valentina Perrone; Chiara Veronesi; Maria Ciappetta; Domenico Lucatelli; Andrea Cinti Luciani; Luca Degli Esposti
• Keywords: Clinical Practice; Anti-inflammatory

The prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) covered by the Italian National Health Service is limited to certain pathologies defined in 2018 update Note 66 Medicines Agency (AIFA), meant ensure appropriate use NSAIDs. This analysis was conducted real clinical practice describe NSAID utilization from 2019 2022 with respect update. For this real-world analysis, data were extracted administrative databases healthcare institutions covering ~ 9.1 million citizens. From 2022, all subjects ≥ 1 identified. Demographic and characteristics, proportion NSAID-treated patients over time, most prescribed molecules, drug consumption as daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants/day recorded. percentage showed a slight increase time (1.9–3.0%). active ingredients diclofenac, ketoprofen, nimesulide, etoricoxib, ibuprofen. increased 15.5 16.8 DDD/1000 2020–2022, especially older (65–74 years group: 36.2–39.3 inhabitants/day). 2,811,910 prescription(s) identified, whose average age 59.7 years. Among them, 0.1–1.0% received NSAIDs for rheumatic diseases 11.9% oncological setting. While ketoprofen commonly at medium–low dosage recommended, ibuprofen used high (600 mg) 80% cases. that relatively young (~ 60 years), contrast 66, which typically affect elderly people. Moreover, poorly represented, thus it possible might have been indications outside note. These findings suggest pain management Italy should be optimized, properly weighting their risks benefits.