Did you all see this?

[Patricia]

Thought this might be relevant to some of us ?

Saturday, June 11, 2005. 0:04am (AEST)

A study has found anti-inflammatory drugs may be linked to a higher risk of heart attack (file photo). (AFP)

Boots plays down ibuprofen heart attack link
The manufacturer of Nurofen, Boots Healthcare Australia, has played down the significance of a study linking ibuprofen to possible heart attacks.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that the chance of people having a heart attack increased by 24 per cent if they had taken ibuprofen in the previous three months.

Another anti-inflammatory, diclofenac, is also implicated. It is most familiar under the brand name Voltaren.

For those using diclofenac, the increased risk was 55 per cent.

Ibuprofen is sold in a number of drugs in Australia, most commonly under the brand names Nurofen and Brufen.

However Boots Healthcare Australia says the study in question looks at non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available on prescription, which should not be confused with non-prescription, over-the-counter pain relievers.

The company says ibuprofen taken at low doses is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack.

Review

Meanwhile, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says they are currently reviewing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

"Since finalising its comprehensive review and subsequent action over Cox-2 inhibitors, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has been undertaking a review of non-steroidal anti-inflamatories," the statement said.

"While most of these have been on the market for many years, some studies are suggesting an increased cardiovascular link, although trial findings are conflicting.

"The TGA recommends that pain relievers be used for the shortest possible time and if pain persists to consult a doctor."

In other developments:
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) wants the widespread availability of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs containing ibuprofen reviewed after they were linked with heart attacks.

[Naomi]

I was listening to this on the radio last week. The jury is out on this for me at the moment. Back in my former life (before I was a mum ;) ) in my job there was a lot of talk about this, mostly from the paracetamol brands trying to prevent the ibuprofen drugs from being sold in supermarkets. I guess I would want to know who commissioned the study that was done, to see if it was 'unbiased' and would want to see further studies to confirm the findings. I do think it is a bit concerning though.

That said, I rarely take pain killers (lucky to be a generally healthy person) and I think people should be mindful that just because they are easily available, you should still take them with caution. If you have a chronic condition that requires frequent use of large amounts of pain-killers, you should be under the care of a Dr anyway who can monitor the condition and medication.

Of course, this is all my own opinion and as I said I am fortunate enough not to need to take them very often - my opinion might differ entirely if I needed to use them more.

[Leigh]

I saw it, but I forget most of what was said now :blush: But I think from what I remember the report did sound a little bias and one sided in regards to the basic ibuprofen type pain killers. Wasn't there a similar stuff awhile back saying the same thing about paracetamol?

I think, as with anything, moderation is the key. Of course anything is going to be a risk if misused. And if they look hard enough they are going to find links to heart attacks or strokes etc from anything. I'm waiting on the "Extended internet use causes heart attacks" Study LOL

I use ibuprofen products for myself and the kids, because I find they work a lot quicker than paracetamol type things, and the effects last a little longer. We don't use it very often though.

[Naomi]

I'm waiting on the "Extended internet use causes heart attacks" Study LOL
I'll see you in the Cardiac Care ward LMAO