The high use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the current practice at the primary care level, and their frequently inappropriate prescription, due to ignorance in pharmacological side effects could cause devastating consequences for the patient's health. It was considered necessary to make a review of the more recent evidence about the NSAIDs, with the intention that medical doctors can be updated on the use of these drugs. The literature review was performed at the Ovid-Medline, Cochrane, Synergy, Medic latina, Science direct, Ebsco-e-journal services. In this article there is an emphasis about NSAIDS adverse effects, and actions suggested during their use.