The Dangers of NSAIDs
Dr. Josh Axe
The dangers of NSAIDs are well-known yet often ignored, but now new research is making NSAID use even more questionable. What are NSAIDs? NSAIDs, aka nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are one of the most commonly used pain relievers in the world today. In fact, most painkillers on the market today are NSAIDs.
They might effectively and temporarily decrease pain, but according to analysis of almost 10 million patient medical records, that dangers of NSAIDs are pretty clear. For instance, they may raise the risk of heart failure by nearly 20 percent. That risk increases with the amount of NSAIDs a person takes, says study author Andrea Arfe, a Ph.D student at the University of Milano-Bicocca, in Italy. Even though study findings are based on prescription NSAIDs, the results might apply to over-the-counter NSAIDs as well. Arfe notes: “Although over-the-counter NSAIDs are typically used at lower doses and for shorter durations, they are sometimes available at the same doses as prescription NSAIDs and they may be inappropriately overused.” (1)
NSAIDs are a type of anti-inflammatory drug that are available over the counter and are very commonly taken for pain. If NSAID isn’t ringing a bell, you might be more familiar with generic names like ibuprofen or name brand NSAIDs like Aleve®, Motrin® and Advil®. NSAIDs have become well-known for their link to stomach bleeding, but now even the FDA has made its overall NSAID warning stronger. It wants consumers to be aware that NSAIDs cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in higher doses. (2) I’ve talked before about ibuprofen overdose, and now I want to tell you all about NSAIDs in general, including how exactly they’re effective, why the dangers of NSAIDs really can’t be taken lightly and what are some safer, natural alternatives.
5 Key Dangers of NSAIDs + Other Common Side Effects
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