Painkiller Update: What You Need to Know
The FDA says all anti-inflammatory drugs carry a risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as the risk for potentially life-threatening stomach ulcer bleeding.
Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
• Short-term, low-dose use (the recommended over-the-counter dose) of over-the-counter painkillers does not appear to increase risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• More specific information about the potential for heart attack, stroke, and stomach ulcer bleeding will be included with these products. The exact risk of these drugs isn’t known because there is very little research in this area.
• These drugs include products with ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. The FDA has provided a list of brand names for these over-the-counter medications.
• Stronger reminders about limiting the dose and duration of treatment will be included. Previous recommendations have been to use these over-the-counter drugs for no more than 10 days without seeing your doctor.
• Like prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, over-the-counter drugs also carry the risk of skin reactions.
• Aspirin is not included in this new warning as it’s known to decrease the risk of heart disease.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also not included in this warning as it is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It should still be taken as directed because too much acetaminophen can lead to liver problems.
Who is at highest risk when taking these drugs?
• Patients who have had recent heart bypass surgery
• People with heart disease — blockages in their heart arteries — including people who have had chest pain or a heart attack
• People who have had a stroke or who currently have episodes known as TIA (transient ischemic attacks), sometimes called ministrokes
• People with a history of stomach ulcers
Reference - WebMD
Cross Posted on Brilliant Ignorance
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