There has long been a concern over the possible cardiac risks of taking certain non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. So much so that Vioxx was actually removed from the market in 2004. A report outlining the results of a study from Denmark was included in the latest issue of the AARP Bulletin.

The study which was originally reported in the June 8th online edition of the American Heart Association’s Circulation showed that even the short term use of NSAIDs in healthy men and women is associated with an increase in heart attacks and stroke. Previous studies had shown the same association but in patients with already existing heart disease.

The researchers found that ibuprofen had a 29% increase in the risk of fatal or non fatal stroke. Diclofenac (Voltaren) had almost double the risk of death from heart disease. Celebrex results were inconclusive while the results for Naprosyn (Alleve) revealed that it might be a safer alternative to the other drugs. 

Patients requiring chronic use of these meds for arthritis or other aches and pains might want to discuss these findings with their doctor. bjmdjd

Material modifications since posting: none

AARP Bulletin · Alleve · Celebrex · Circulation · diclofenac · ibuprofen · Naprosyn · Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs · NSAIDs · risk of heart attack and stroke · Voltaren

If you are taking or using any medicines containing the generic diclofenac which is the old brand name drug Voltaren, you need to pay close attention to news released by the Food And Drug Administration and associated drug companies late last night. It said that treatment with any of these drugs may lead to decreased liver function which can result in severe liver reactions, the need for a liver transplant, and even death. This also includes the new Voltaren Gel which is not even taken internally. Diclofenac is a non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) which is used for arthritis, other joint problems, and pain. Also be sure that you are not taking any other drugs in this class at the same time that you are taking diclofenac. These drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen which can be gotten without a prescription. If you are using any of the diclofenac drugs you might want to give your doctor a call to see if you need to be changed to a different medication. bjmdjd

Material modifications since posting: none

diclofenac · FDA · liver side effects · NSAIDs · Voltaren