Offering its complete support to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a group representing the over-the-counter medicine industry has stressed that NSAIDs have always played a strong and important role in relieving short-term pain for a large number of consumers.

The Australian Self Medication Industry, or ASMI, rushed forward to offer its complete backing to the popular and widely used pain-killers, after a survey, which was undertaken on behalf of the Gut Foundation and officially released today, discovered that many customers were not properly made aware of the serious and long-term side effects and complications of NSAIDs.

"NSAIDs are available as non-prescription medicines worldwide and have a long history of safe use. These products are safe when used as directed, but like any medicine they can cause problems when used incorrectly, or by people with certain conditions or taking specific medicines", said ASMI Deputy Executive Director Dr. Deon Schoombi.

He also stressed that common painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac, when taken in moderation, were completely safe and effective for the temporary relief of pain and inflammation.