Demystifying NSAID Safety: From Conscious Consumption to ADR Reporting

Background: Public awareness of the safe use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), their adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and reporting procedures is important for promoting medication safety.Objective: To assess public awareness of NSAID safety, associated ADRs, and ADR reporting before and after an educational intervention.Materials and Method: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 151 participants in Kozhikode and Malappuram district of Kerala from August to November 2026. Data were collected using a prevalidated structured questionnaire administered before and after an educational intervention aimed at improving awareness regarding the safe use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented as percentages. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee prior to the commencement of the study..Results: Among participants, 93.4% had previously used NSAIDs, 53% reported self-medication, and 75.5% obtained NSAIDs from community pharmacies. Gaps were identified in reading medicine information, following recommended doses, and avoiding multiple painkillers. NSAID-related side effects were reported by 31.8%, while 35.8% had previously reported an ADR. Following the intervention, 96.1% reported increased awareness, 89.4% expressed willingness to report ADRs, and 89.4% found the educational material helpful. Approximately 98% recognized pharmacists’ role in encouraging ADR reporting.Conclusion: The educational intervention was associated with improved self-reported awareness of NSAID safety and greater willingness to report ADRs. These findings support continued public education and pharmacist involvement in promoting safe medication use and ADR reporting.