www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141105165053.htmMore evidence arthritis/pain relieving drugs may contribute to stroke deathDate:
November 5, 2014
Source:
American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
Summary:
Commonly prescribed, older drugs for arthritis and pain may increase the risk of death from stroke, according to a study. "Our study supports stepping up efforts to make sure people with a higher risk of stroke are not prescribed these medications when other options are available," authors concluded.
Commonly prescribed, older drugs for arthritis and pain may increase the risk of death from stroke, according to a study published in the November 5, 2014, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The drugs examined in the study, called COX-2 inhibitors, include older drugs diclofenac, etodolac, nabumeton and meloxicam, as well as newer drugs called coxibs, including celecoxib and rofecoxib. COX-2 inhibitors are selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study also looked at non-selective NSAIDs, which include common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen. (more...)
A total of 10,835 of the participants, or 11 percent, were NSAID users; 8,402, or 8 percent, were former users; and 80,806, or 81 percent, were non-users. Of the current NSAID users 51 percent used ibuprofen, 27 percent used diclofenac, 11 percent used etodolac, three percent naproxen, one percent celecoxib and 0.5 percent rofecoxib.
"Our study supports stepping up efforts to make sure people with a higher risk of stroke are not prescribed these medications when other options are available," said Schmidt.
Journal Reference:Morten Schmidt, MD et al. Preadmission use of nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 30-day stroke mortality. Neurology, November 2014 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001024
