Trends in the use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in the general U.S. population

Abstract

Large increases in the use of both aspirin and NSAIDs were observed over a 5 year period. The increase may be the result of increasing media attention reporting that regular aspirin use lowers the risk of CVD and related deaths, and may also prevent cancer. Moreover, safety concerns related to alternative medications such as acetaminophen and selective COX-2 inhibitors may influence users of these drugs to switch to aspirin and NSAIDs.