Table 12Adverse events in systematic reviews of acetaminophen compared with NSAID

Systematic ReviewWithdrawal due to Adverse EventsGI Adverse Events
Towheed, 2006180NSAID vs. acetaminophen: RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.0)Withdrawal due to GI adverse event
Nonselective NSAIDs vs. acetaminophen: RR 2.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.8)

Any GI adverse event
Nonselective NSAID vs. acetaminophen: RR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.0)
COX-2 selective NSAID vs. acetaminophen: RR 0.98 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.2)
Zhang, 2004182NRGI discomfort
Nonselective NSAID vs. acetaminophen: RR 1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.8)
COX-2 selective NSAID vs. acetaminophen: RR 0.65 (95% CI 0.17 to 2.52)
Lee, 2004179NSAID vs. acetaminophen: OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.3)NR

CI = confidence interval; COX = cyclooxygenase; GI = gastrointestinal; NR = not reported; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OR = odds ratio; RR = relative risk

From: Results

Cover of Analgesics for Osteoarthritis
Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: An Update of the 2006 Comparative Effectiveness Review [Internet].
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 38.
Chou R, McDonagh MS, Nakamoto E, et al.
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