PREVIEW
In the United States, gastrointestinal complications induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 16,500 deaths annually. Because serious gastrointestinal events can occur without warning, prevention measures must not rely on warning signs alone. This article discusses the epidemiology of NSAID- induced toxic episodes, reviews the risk factors for these occurrences, and offers strategies for minimizing the risk among long-term NSAID users.