Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems
Highlights:
- In a larger, randomized, controlled study, a common painkiller diclofenac has been linked to episodes of heart attacks and strokes compared to other painkillers.
- Researchers suggest not allowing diclofenac to be available over the counter, and add an appropriate warning about its potential risks when it is prescribed.
The painkiller diclofenac was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes compared to use of no drug, paracetamol, or other traditional painkillers, says researchers from the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark.
The study is published in The BMJ.
‘Individuals starting on the traditional painkiller diclofenac are showing a relative increased risk of major adverse heart problems prompting researchers to say that it is time to acknowledge diclofenac�s potential health risk and to reduce its use.’
Diclofenac is a common, widely used traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, otherwise known as NSAID, used for treating pain and inflammation. However, until now, the cardiovascular risks of diclofenac and other traditional NSAIDs have not been compared in large randomized controlled trials.
Since it is available over the counter in most countries that makes its cardiovascular risk of public health and vital clinical importance, the European Medicines Agency has asked for a safety testing of diclofenac.
(https:www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/medication/drug-types/nsaids/nsaids-heart-attack-stroke-risk.php)
Source: Medindia
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APA
Suchitra Chari. (2018, September 06). Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems. Medindia. Retrieved on Dec 26, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm.
MLA
Suchitra Chari. "Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems". Medindia. Dec 26, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm>.
Chicago
Suchitra Chari. "Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm. (accessed Dec 26, 2024).
Harvard
Suchitra Chari. 2018. Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems. Medindia, viewed Dec 26, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm.
Cite this Article ⇣⇡
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
-
APA
Suchitra Chari. (2018, September 06). Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems. Medindia. Retrieved on Dec 26, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm.
MLA
Suchitra Chari. "Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems". Medindia. Dec 26, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm>.
Chicago
Suchitra Chari. "Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm. (accessed Dec 26, 2024).
Harvard
Suchitra Chari. 2018. Over-the-counter Painkiller Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Problems. Medindia, viewed Dec 26, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/over-the-counter-painkiller-associated-with-increased-risk-of-heart-problems-182319-1.htm.