Healthy people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief may be increasing their risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers in Denmark studied 1,028,437 healthy individuals from 1997 to 2005 for increased cardiovascular morbidity with the use of prescription drugs rofecoxib (Vioxx), diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Zipsor), celecoxib (Celebrex), and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol, Nuprin). [Rofecoxib, no longer available in the U.S., was taken off the market in 2004.] Researchers found that those on diclofenac had a 91 percent higher risk of heart attack and stroke; patients who took the largest doses of diclofenac actually saw their risk of heart attack double.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber.
Sign in
