To Kill with NSAIDS

Taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Celebrex may increase your chance of a fatal heart attack or a debilitating stroke.  Since Vioxx was removed from the marketplace in 2004, experts have been taking a closer look at NSAIDs to see if there are any side effects that could increase the potential of a stroke or cardiovascular death.

A recent study concluded that there was an elevated risk with the use of long term NSAID treatments.  In one recent study the potential risk of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke was increase by fourfold.  In fact, ibuprofen was revealed to have a three times increase of a stroke for a patient compared to when given a placebo.

These trials included 116,00 patients, though some physician have inferred that the study doesn’t give the full picture.  Many patients that have osteoarthritis and would be on some type of long term NSAID treatment, were older and could have other associated diseases, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, that may have more of an impact on the higher incidents of heart
attacks or strokes.

In any event, doctors should closely look at all variables before beginning a patient onto a long term NSAID therapy.  NSAIDs can also cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers and bleeding, but they are the most effective treatment for the relief of chronic pain.

Always follow your doctors instructions when taking medications, but discuss with your physician the possibility of a treatment regimen that doesn’t have you taking them regularly (daily), or several times per day.  Also inquire with your physician about prescribing the lowest possible dosage.