Study Raises Heart Concerns for Naproxen

Another study has added to the debate about whether some common pain relievers can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The new study looks at nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many people take aspirin, one type of NSAID, to help prevent heart attacks. But the others carry a label warning about a possible increased risk of heart attacks. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil and generics) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve and generics). They also include the prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex). The new study looked at the use of NSAIDs in 160,000 older women. They were part of the Women’s Health Initiative study. That study looked at older women’s use of hormone therapy. But it also recorded all of the medicines they took. The new study found a higher risk of heart attack and stroke among women who used naproxen or celecoxib.