Study Tallies Heart Risk from Pain Relievers

Taking high doses of common pain relievers for a long time may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke up to one-third, a review of research finds. The study focused on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and generics) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve and generics). Diclofenac, another NSAID, is popular in Europe. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) was taken off the market in 2004 because of an increased heart attack risk. Other coxibs, including celecoxib (Celebrex), are still sold. Experts still debate whether other NSAIDs carry the same risk as Vioxx. The new research review combined results of 639 studies. People in these studies were randomly assigned to take an NSAID or a placebo (fake pill). Taking high-dose diclofenac or a coxib increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes and related death by about one-third.