MEDIA STATEMENT
11th May 2007

Response statement on The Lancet study investigating the use of PPIs in combination with selective NSAIDs

The International Ibuprofen Foundation (IIF) is aware of the article published in today’s edition of The Lancet that recommends patients with a high gastrointestinal risk in need of anti-inflammatory analgesics should receive both a selective COX-2 inhibitor and a PPI (proton pump inhibitor).

It is important to note that the recommendations in this study specifically relates to high dose, long-term use of anti-inflammatory analgesics in the prescription setting and therefore have no relevance to the way in which non selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen are used by the general population.

There is no need for consumers to need to use a PPI in combination with painkillers available over-the-counter (OTC) in a pharmacy or supermarket.

The IIF comments, “Ibuprofen used in the short-term at the low dose available over the counter (OTC)* has a long history of use as a safe and effective medicine. The general public should remain reassured when purchasing ibuprofen for minor ailments and have no concerns about its safety.

Scientific evidence1,2,3 shows that, when used as directed, ibuprofen is a safe, well-tolerated medicine. In the majority of studies, where NSAIDs have been compared, ibuprofen has consistently been associated with the lowest risk of GI complications.

* The OTC dose of ibuprofen is a maximum of 1,200mg per day for up to 10 days

-ENDS-

References :
1. Moore N., et al,. Clin Drug Invest 1999: 18 (2) 89-98
2. Rainsford K.D,. et al., J Pharm Pharmacol 1997 ; 49 :345-376
3. Fries J. et al. Journal of Rheumatology 2003 ; 30 : 2226-2233








 

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