A Tough Pill To Swallow: Dangers Of Over The Counter Meds

Save to notebook Email article Print article More articles

By mia bolaris-forget

We live in a society where we can pop a pill for just about everything...and many of us do just that. But now new warning for those who take common medication to relieve "minor", frequent aches and pains. Experts suggest that even healthy people who take nonsteroidal antiinflammoatory meds such as ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin, etc), may be at an increased risk of dying from heart-related problems.
This, now in addition to the American Heart Associations warning already in place for thse with heart disease with regard to Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In fact the new study show the same risk for those without any medical or heart related conditions.
The results are the outcome of an analysis of the national medical records conducted of more than 1 million Danes from 1997 to 2005 with the average age of the participant being 39...which revealed that those who used ibsprofen showed a 29% greater risk of fatal or nonfatal stroke, compared to their peers who did not take the medication.
Use of diclofenac (Voltaren andj cataflam) showed an 91% greater risk of death from all cardiovacular diseases, while rofecoxib (Vioxx) use was linked to a 66% increased risk. However, the study showed no greater risk for cardiovascular problems and a slightly lower risk of fatality associated with naproxen sold over the counter in products such as Aleve.
For those taking the highest doese, diclofenac showed double the risk for heart attack and rofecoxib (Vioxx) three times the risk for heart attack. In fact, Vioxx was taken off the U.S. market in 2004 due to a study linking it to high rates of risk for heart attack and stroke. In addition drugs that increase blood pressure and are associated with a thrombotic (artery-blocking) effect (such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatories) can be harmful even to "young", healthy patients.
However, the absolute overall risk say experts was small, but experts still urge you to consult with your physician before taking these medications. And, they note that the warning is especially important for those who exercise regularly and who may take these medications to alleviate muscle and joint pain...noting that they may be at greater risk for not only cardiovascular issues but also bleeding, which is a side effect of these drugs. In fact, the Danish study found an elevated incidence of major bleeding events, some fatal, associated with all NSAIDs except for celecoxib (Celebrex), which also did not show an increased risk of coronary death of stroke either.
These finding are similar to a 2007 study done by the American Heart Association leading experts to suggest not only speaking with your physician but also looking into other options such as naproxen (not currently linked to cardiovascular risk) and lower doses of ibuprofen (1200mg and below per day).

Long Island Health, Fitness & Beauty Articles > A Tough Pill To Swallow: Dangers Of Over The Counter Meds