Pain Relievers and Cardiovascular Risk

Popular pain relievers have been linked to serious cardiovascular complications. A meta-analysis of 31 studies that included more than 100,000 people found that daily use of drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, and rofecoxib increase the chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke. The increased risk was between two and four times higher than people taking inactive placebos. Vioxx, no longer available in the U.S., was associated with the highest risk of heart disease. Ibuprofen was the drug associated with the highest risk of stroke. Millions of Americans take ibuprofen or naproxen over the counter, and many are unaware of their side effects. The investigators conclude that none of these drugs should be considered safe in cardiovascular terms, but naproxen appeared least harmful.
[BMJ, Jan. 11, 2011]