Despite this perception, many adults aged 55 and over have one or more factors that put them at increased risk for stomach ulcers that can result from chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
The survey also found that among people who suffer with chronic pain age 55 plus who opt not to take pain medication, more than half (53%) say that side-effects are a concern.
“People with pain need to know about the risks associated with their medication,” said Penney Cowan, executive director of the American Chronic Pain Association. “The good news is that knowledge is power, and if side effects are understood they can be properly managed.”