What You Need To Know About NSAID Painkillers
It’s been in the news alot lately – the dangers of NSAIDs a class of anti-inflammatory that includes over the counter drugs like voltaren and ibuprofen.
There is talk about restricting patient access to some over the counter painkillers like voltaren.
The purpose of this article is to briefly explain what you need to know, but to answer the next question – what’s the alternative?
Studies as far back as 2000 have shown that taking NSAID painkillers like voltaren and neurofen increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Here is a snapshot of the research:
- In 2000 an Australian study showing NSAIDs doubled the odds of patients being admitted to hospital with congestive heart failure. (1)
- Current (last 14 days) use of any NSAID associated with a 19% increased risk of hospital admission for heart failure. (2)
- Use of any NSAID was associated with a 31% increased risk of cardiac arrest. The commonly used non-selective NSAIDs, diclonenac (Voltaren) and ibuprofen were associated with a 50% and 31% increased risk respectively. (3)
- “Although rofecoxib was withdrawn from the market, meloxicam, diclofenac and celecoxib account for almost two-thirds of all NSAID dispensings in Australia and all have been shown to be associated with significantly increased risk of stroke.” (4)
There is a strong body of research to suggest that taking NSAID’s like voltaren and neurofen increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Obviously the more you take, the more dangerous it becomes.
But I have met alot of people over the years who chew on these like lollies. Taking up to the maximum suggested dose, every day for weeks and months at a time. This is where is gets scary.
The number one question I get asked is “what’s the alternative”?
Metagenics has a range of potent anti-inflamatory products that:
- Are as effective as NSAIDs
- Gut friendly
- Liver friendly
- Safe for long term use (and isn’t that what you really want?)
They have a range of products for:
- Temporary relief of pain and joint inflammation for acute conditions
- Relieve mild nerve pain and fibromyalgic pain
- Reduce frequency of migraines
- Relief of mild osteoarthritis and mild arthritic pain
- Support and strengthen joints, cartilage and connective tissue
For more information, ask your chiro or one of our staff. We will be happy to show you what your options for pain relief are.
In your service,
Dr Jesse Middleton
Wellness Expert
Chiropractor
Dr Jesse Middleton is a wellness expert, leading chiropractor, speaker and natural health advocate. Dr Middleton is a respected, highly regarded master chiropractor whose passion is to teach people how to achieve health for themselves and their family regardless of genetics, age, and history. His Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinics, onsite corporate and business wellness programs and ergonomic assessments provide people of all backgrounds with the practical tools necessary to build their own health towards the path to true wellness.
- Page J, Henry D. Consumption of NSAIDs and the Development of Congestive Heart Failure in Elderly PatientsAn Underrecognized Public Health Problem. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(6):777–784. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.6.777
- Arfè Andrea, Scotti Lorenza, Varas-LorenzoCristina, Nicotra Federica, Zambon Antonella, Kollhorst Bianca et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of heart failure in four European countries: nested case-control studyBMJ 2016; 354 :i4857
- Kathrine B. Sondergaard, Peter Weeke, Mads Wissenberg, Anne-Marie Schjerning Olsen, Emil L. Fosbol, Freddy K. Lippert, Christian Torp-Pedersen, Gunnar H. Gislason, Fredrik Folke; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide case–time–control study, European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, Volume 3, Issue 2, 1 April 2017, Pages 100–107,
- Australian Government TGA Review of cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
