[During the past ten years, a number of original publications, reviews and metaanalyses were published on the cardiovascular (CV) safety of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These data were summarised in several previous publications. As this group of medicines is very frequently used and many of them are available over the counter (OTC), their risks require particular attention. Recently, new analyses have been published on previously discussed preparations as well as on new drugs that had been omitted from previous analyses (paracetamol, aceclofenac), thus, it is important to review these data and draw attention again to differences in side effects among NSAIDs.]

[Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently used medicines all over the world. In the year 2012 in the LAM, we summarized data on cardiovascular (CV) safety of these drugs. We emphasized that all NSAIDs may potentially be harmful on the CV system, as they can increase the blood pressure, the risk of coronary events (angina, myocardial infarction), and that of stroke, as well as they may deteriorate renal functions. We also outlined that in this respect there are substantial differences between different compounds, and the CV risk does not depend on the ratio of COX- 1/COX-2 selectivity. The newly available data of original papers and metaanalyses shed light on further details. Even naproxen which drug was previously considered the less harmful on CV system can increase the risk of blood pressure, stroke, and gastrointestinal (GI) complications. We have to emphasize that the most important risk of NSAIDs is still the GI bleeding. This adverse effect is significantly less for drugs which are more selective for COX-2 than COX-1 enzyme, but other, pleiotropic effects can also beneficially modify the GI as well as the CV risk. E.g. the aceclofenac was found to be among NSAIDs with the less adverse effects on GI system and is also among those having the less CV risk.]

[Cardiovascular preventive drugs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, aspirin, inhibitors of platelet aggregation, anticoagulants) are among the most frequently used medicines all over the world. Gastrointestinal (GI) complications (hemorrhage, ulceration, perphoration) are among the most frequent side effects of these drugs, however, differences in their pharmacodynamics properties and other pleiotropic effects may substantially modify these unwanted events. Authors, based on international and Hungarian guidelines, summarize the most important data for GI protection, focusing on the use of H-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors.]

[In developed countries, the treatment of osteoarthritis costs up to 1-2% of the GNP. The poor hygroscopy of hyaline cartilage and of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) molecules that are components of proteoglycans plays a key role in the development of the disease. Age-related osteoarthritis mostly affects the weight-bearing joints of the lower extremities, the hips and knees, and - more frequently than the former ones - the small joints of the hands, causing chronic pain and disability. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for the treatment of osteoarthritis-related pain influence not only pain but also cartilage metabolism, and - among others - GAG molecules. NSAIDs diminish the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PG) that have a role in inflammatory processes, and influence oxygen free radicals, the levels of interleukins (ILs) and the function of metalloproteinases. The ideal NSAID for the joints stimulates cartilage formation, reduces cartilage resorption, and the level of katabolic cytokines. Aceclofenac was found to have the most beneficial effect on multiple aspects of cartilage metabolism.]

[During the past decade, a number of original publications, reviews and metaanalyses were published on the cardiovascular safety of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As this group of medicines is among the most frequently used ones and many preparations are available over the counter, it seems to be prudent to summarise the most important results on the safety of these drugs, and underline their potentially harmful cardiovascular side effects. Nevertheless, it can also be emphasized that there are substantial differences between different compounds, and the cardiovascular risk does not depend on the ratio of COX-1/COX-2 selectivity. Cardiovascular risk can be increased by all NSAIDs with the possible exception of naproxen.]