when
used at optimum doses. It is recommended
these drugs are used at the lowest effective
dose for the shortest period of time (British
National Formulary (BNF) 2014). A risk
assessment should be undertaken before
prescribing NSAIDs, and appropriate caution
should be taken if the patient has a high risk
of gastrointestinal bleeding, is older or has
renal insufficiency. In most cases, a proton
pump inhibitor will be prescribed alongside
the NSAID to prevent gastrointestinal side
effects