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NSAID cardiovascular risk — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsNSAID cardiovascular riskGPhC CRA

A 70-year-old with previous myocardial infarction asks to buy diclofenac tablets for knee osteoarthritis. He takes aspirin, ramipril and atorvastatin. What is the most appropriate alternative?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Avoid oral diclofenac and suggest safer options with prescriber or pharmacist review

Oral NSAIDs can increase cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal risk, and diclofenac is particularly concerning after myocardial infarction. Safer analgesic strategies should be considered, such as topical NSAIDs where suitable or prescriber review. Aspirin does not remove the risk from oral diclofenac.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS