Patient derived information to support the long term use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is lacking. In contrast, data detailing the adverse effects of individual NSAIDs is accumulating. We determined the importance of NSAIDs as therapy to 153 patients with osteoarthritis (age range 36 to 92), comparing results in elderly and younger patients. Around half of the patients reported moderate relief of symptoms, with a further quarter reporting good, or even excellent, relief. One half of patients aged 75 years or less, but only one fifth of patients aged over 75 years, recalled having been informed of the adverse effects of NSAIDs. A total of 59 per cent of patients reported having used simple analgesics, such as paracetamol, as first line therapy. As some patients are helped by them, we suggest that efforts should be directed towards increasing the first line use of simple analgesics in patients with osteoarthritis and towards increasing patient awareness of potential NSAID‐related adverse ef