NSAID--induced gastroduodenal ulcers: exploring the silent dilemma.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications and are very commonly prescribed. They are used by a large proportion of elderly persons who are most prone to adverse events. NSAID gastropathy is the commonest side effect. The relative risk of adverse events is high, but the absolute risk for any individual patient is low. Individualizing the risk/benefit ratio would lead to cost effective care.