Role of community pharmacy in reducing riskof gastro-intestinal bleeds in at-risk patients- Elaine Paton, Lead Pharmacist, SPSP Pharmacy in Primary Care Collaborative, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Role of community pharmacy in reducing riskof gastro-intestinal bleeds in at-risk patients- Elaine Paton, Lead Pharmacist, SPSP Pharmacy in Primary Care Collaborative, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Prescribing data for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) indicates that there remains a high proportion of elderly patients who are prescribed oral NSAIDs along with other drugs that increase the risk of gastro-intestinal (GI) bleeds or acute kidney injury. All NSAIDs can cause serious GI adverse effects, with the risk higher in the elderly. Use of NSAIDs is associated with around a fourfold increase in the incidence of severe upper gastro-intestinal ulcer complications compared to non-users of NSAIDs. A proton pump inhibitor is required depending on gastro-intestinal risk. Risk factors for NSAID induced GI adverse effects include age ≥ 75years. Other risk factors for NSAID induced GI adverse effects include age ≥ 65years and concomitant medication such as aspirin, anticoagulants, corticosteroids and SSRIs. This is known as “high risk co-prescribing”.
Aim: Ensure safe prescribing of suitable gastro-protection medication in 95% of patients at risk of a GI bleed within a GP practice.
