OBJECTIVES: The main objective is to compare between actual benefits and risks for using NSAIDs in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS: We used as instruments two questionnaires, one for adherence (CQR-19 – Compliance Questionnaire of Rheumatology with 19 items) and one regarding the mental health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (PDSQ – Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire) on a sample of 80 patients. Pain indicators were included in the study in order to verify the status of the patients. Linear regression models were evaluated for explore connections between variables.

RESULTS: It was found that all the patients interviewed were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and currently under disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine). Almost all of them (93.75%) were using NSAIDs for relieving the pain. It was found that those who use lots of anti-inflammatory drugs also have a high level of depression caused by the pain (r=0.63, p<0.05). Some of the side effects of using NSAIDs are: nausea, stomach ulcerations, higher risk of heart disease, kidney damage, so the use of them should be always under medical advice. Their mean (SD) age was 53.02 (13.23) years. Gender, living place and level of education didn’t influence the level of adherence to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Managing chronic pain is very complex. Patients with chronic pain, especially caused by rheumatoid arthritis are seeking immediate relief from their suffering. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are key tools in an overall disease management strategy and should be considered as a bridge until disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) DMARDs takes effect.