FDA issues warning against popular anti-inflammatory drugs

Article contributed by Dr. Scott Stachelek, Dumfries, VA

Have you ever taken Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve/Naprosyn) to alleviate pain? If so, you are like millions of others who seek temporary relief from these popular medications. These drugs as well as the Cox-2 inhibitors Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex are known as non-steroidal anti-inflmaatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Serious side effects of NSAIDs have been known for a while. A December 1, 1998, story in USA Today noted that 16,500 people died from bleeding stomach ulcers brought on by NSAID use and that 80% of those had no symptoms prior to death. A Danish study published in the British Medical Journal in January 2001 found a strong link between the of prescription NSAIDs by pregnant women and miscarriages.

In addition, it has been discovered recently that NSAIDs may cause another life-threatening side effect: cardiovascular disease. This risk is so substantial that that US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning urging the public to limit the use od NSADIs and to strictly adhere to label directions. Furthermore, on voluntary withdraw Bextra from the market and urged manufactureres of all other NSAID products to strengthen warning labels.

A study sponsored by The National Institute on Aging to determine whether Celebrex or Naproxen could prevent Alzheimer's disease was halted when it became aparent that those taking Naproxen developed a 50% higher risk of heart attack and stroke that those taking a placebo. In fact, Naproxen is so detrimental to one's health that those who have been taking the over-the-counter (OTC) version, Aleve, for nearly three years are now advised to stop using it. People who are considering taking it are advised to limit their use to no more than 400mg per day for longer than ten days. This advisory can be a little scary for those who have been taking the prescription version Naprosyn since the previous recommended daily intake was 1500mg.

Lifetime wellness does not come from a pill or a potion. If you are taking NSAIDs for temporary pain relief you will want to consider finding a healthier option. For millions of Americans. even those suffering from arthritis, wellness alternative health care like (massage & chiropratic) are healthier options.

The health choices you make today will affect your quality of life tomorrow. Make educated choices and share your knowledge with the people you love so they too can avoid problematic painkillers and enjoy the healthy solution that alternative health care provides.