Authored By: Rachel Markin
A new study has revealed the dangers of using popular over-the-counter painkillers. The BMJ medical journal recently reported that all commonly used NSAIDs- ibuprofen and naproxen, sold under brand names like Motrin or Advil, might increase the risk of a heart attack.
The BMJ article states the drugs increase the risk of a heart attack by 20% to 50%, compared with not using them, regardless of the dosage or the amount of time the drugs have been taken.
CNN Health calls the findings “observational and based on association, with the drugs not proven to be a direct cause of heart attack.”
CNN says the NSAIDS are used to treat fever, relieve pain for an assortment of causes, like the flu, headaches and bodily pain. Due to the different uses, the drugs are usually taken as needed for short spurts of time.
The BMJ research found the level of heart attack increased as early as one week into the use of the drug and the risk was greatest during its first month of use.
Attorney D’Arcy noted Dr. Greg Fonarow’s advice, “Randomized trials and observational data have shown that use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attacks and other types of cardiovascular events. The absolute risk is small, but all individuals considering the use of these medications should carefully weigh the benefits against this increased risk.”
Click here to view the complete BMJ article.
Photo Credit: Cathy Yeulet