Well, the studies suggest that the problem is a significant one. It is apparent then, that we should identify patients who are at high risk for GI problems. Misoprostol, ranitidine and omperazole have been studied. This may seem high but for patients at greater risk, the NNT would be lower. It should be noted though, that these patients had pre-existing disease.
Most studies use ibuprofen as the standard against which to compare the other medications.
The following table gives some broad guidelines, although the numbers are not absolute. Misoprostol reduces serious gastrointestinal complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . D Henry, A Dobson, C Turner. CJ Hawkey, JA Karrasch, L Szczepanki et al. Omeprazole compared with misoprostol for ulcers associated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs .