Drug Safety
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and others are the treatment of choice for mild to moderate pain. Because of the relative safety and efficacy of NSAIDs, many of the agents are now available in the US and in other parts of the world without a physician prescription. While these drugs are relatively well tolerated, adverse effects resulting from their use can occur. ⋯ Other postulated mechanisms of NSAID involvement in the development of necrotising fasciitis include an impairment of natural host defense mechanisms. A review of the medical literature for reports of possible NSAID-associated necrotising fasciitis revealed that the events were rare, but clinically significant. From the available evidence, a causal relationship between NSAIDs and necrotising fasciitis cannot be established.