The Food and Drug Administration has issued new, stronger warnings about the risk of heart attack and stroke from over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs “NSAIDs,” including pain relievers ibuprofen and naproxen.
The over-the-counter painkillers included in the FDA’s new warning include Aleve (naproxen), Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) which are normally used to treat things like pain, headaches and fever. The FDA suggests that before you use these drugs to consider two important facts before taking them.
• The amount of nonsteroidal medication you’re taking and
• the duration of use
Both naproxen and ibuprofen are linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. The FDA is also reminding consumers that the NSAIDs are also found in cold and flu medications. The new warning goes on to say that the risk applies to even those who don’t have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.
Even though aspirin is a comparable kind of pain reliever, it is not included in the warning and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not either; they work on pain a different way and have different risks.
The main thing to take away from the new warning is that users should always try to take the least amount of medications as possible. It is also recommended that patients speak to their doctor about any concerns if they are taking these over the counter medications.
Every day, we at Terrell • Hogan represent victims of personal injury and wrongful death as they seek justice, and pursuing those causes of action help prevent accidents and injuries by leading to stronger safety rules, safer products and stronger enforcement. But that takes time, so we also believe it is essential to try to find ways to help prevent injuries and wrongful deaths. That’s why we feel it’s important to help spread this significant information about this new FDA warning about drugs so many people use for pain.
Health Risks Associated With Some Over-The-Counter Pain Medications