Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with stable ankylosing spondylitis receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitor: continued vs withdrawn.

The continued use of NSAIDs in patients with stable AS receiving TNFi had no additional benefit in controlling the disease activity, as compared to patients who withdrew NSAIDs. Considering the risk of toxicity of long-term NSAID use, withdrawal of NSAIDs in stable AS patients receiving TNFi may be preferable. Key points • There is a lack of supportive evidence whether to continue or withdraw non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with stable ankylosing spondylitis (AS) receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). • Compared with patients who withdrew NSAIDs, continuing NSAIDs in patients with stable AS receiving TNFi had no additional benefit in controlling disease activity. • The results of the present study provide evidence that supports withdrawal of NSAIDs in patients with stable AS receiving TNFi.