Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in football – a “Keeping SCORE” approach to judicious use

ABSTRACT

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in elite sport is high, with football being no exception. Increased awareness of significant adverse drug reactions from published research and retired players commentary in the media have made the topic mainstream. Despite this increased awareness, usage rates show no sign of significantly reducing. Footballers, like all elite athletes are focused on maximising their performance and potential – even at the expense of their long-term health. An educational intervention prior to the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup aimed at reducing rates was ineffective, suggesting that education alone is not the answer. Our author group propose a ‘safer use’ rather than ‘no use’ of NSAIDs in football. A ‘Keeping SCORE’ approach is suggested, designed as a prescribing aid. The approach guides medical staff towards focusing on Safety checks, Clinical indication/judgement, Open dialogue, Recording, and Evaluation.

KEYWORDS:

• Medication
• analgesia
• Governance
• Nsaids
• soccer

Disclosure statement

CR and DB hold or have held clinical roles at the Football Association within the youth pathway teams. DB holds a role in clinical governance for the Football Association. CR, SC, and DB hold or have held clinical roles at English clubs with elite men’s and women’s teams.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.