Over half of all patients with osteoarthritis (OA) have evidence of a coexisting medical condition of interest (cardiovascular risk [to include hypertension], gastrointestinal bleeding risk, asthma, and renal impairment) that may put them at a higher risk of side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.

Prescribing and dispensing NSAIDs to patients with OA with an NSAID-relevant coexisting medical condition of interest is substantial, with NSAID prescribing and dispensing increasing post-OA diagnosis.

This real-world study supports the importance of shared decision making between healthcare professionals and patients when considering NSAIDs for the treatment of OA in patients with NSAID-relevant coexisting medical conditions.