Increased Heart Risk
Associated With Ibuprofen Use - BMJ Study Shows Risk of Some NSAIDs
Similar to Vioxx For Heart Attacks
June 1st 2006
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Researchers have evaluated several studies and have concluded that some
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may pose a risk of
cardiovascular events similar to Cox-2 Inhibitors like Vioxx. The study,
published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), combined all the
available randomized data from 138 trials for form a conclusion. This
meta-analysis included 140,000 patients.
The researchers from Italy and the UK reviewed the data and found (as
expected) a correlation between Cox-2 inhibitors and an increased risk
of vascular events. There was not enough data to determine whether these
risks were dose dependent, or whether the risks might differ among
aspirin and non-aspirin users.
They did find that two of the NSAIDs studied had an increased risk of
vascular events associated with them. Both diclofenac and ibuprofen,
were linked with a similar increase risk of vascular events, just like
COX 2 inhibitors. Interestingly the risk was lower for naproxen when
used in high doses.
They compared COX 2 inhibitor with the placebo, and a COX 2 inhibitor
with a traditional NSAID in randomized trials. By combining the trails,
they believe their analysis provides a much more reliable estimate of
the cardiovascular risks of these drugs.
The researchers say the average increased risk of vascular events was
modest among the people studied in the trials: For every 1,000 people
taking an NSAID or COX 2 inhibitor, around three extra people per year
would have a vascular event, most likely a heart attack.
In conclusion, the researchers believe that very large randomized trials
are needed to identify which anti-inflammatory drug regimens minimize
serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. Also, it is
recommended that doctors work with their patients to choose the best
solutions for treating their chronic pain.
Dan Wilson
Best Syndication
Books about Pain
Keywords and misspellings: pane reumatoid rhumatoid
rhumatoidal rheumatoidal arthritis arthrites pain |
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