Topical NSAIDs in the Management of Osteoarthritis Pain: A Consensus Approach by Malaysian Experts

In an era marked by a growing prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA),healthcare professionals (HCPs) are called upon to employ effective and safe pain management strategies. Yet, despite their prominence as a first-line treatment approach in international guidelines, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain underutilized in Malaysia. In an effort to bridge this gap, a group of esteemed orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists who are key opinion leaders and researchers in Malaysia recently developed eight consensus recommendations, shedding light on the burden of OA, safety and efficacy of topical NSAIDs, as well as importance of patient education. This article offers a succinct summary of this evidence-based consensus statement which stands poised to provide much-needed guidance on the use of topical NSAIDs in the management of OA pain for HCPs across Malaysia.