More concerns over OTC NSAIDS
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is strengthening an existing label warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Based on a review of new safety information, FDA will require suppliers of NSAIDS to update the drug labels of all prescription NSAIDs. It will also request updates to the OTC non-aspirin NSAID Drug Facts labels which already contain some information on heart attack and stroke risk.
The FDA says that NSAID labels will be revised to reflect the following information:
- The risk of heart attack or stroke can occur as early as the first weeks of using an NSAID. The risk may increase with longer use of the NSAID.
- The risk appears greater at higher doses.
- NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with or without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease
- In general, patients with heart disease or risk factors for it have a greater likelihood of heart attack or stroke following NSAID use than patients without these risk factors because they have a higher risk at baseline.
- Patients treated with NSAIDs following a first heart attack were more likely to die in the first year after the heart attack compared to patients who were not treated with NSAIDs after their first heart attack.
- There is an increased risk of heart failure with NSAID use.
The FDA is recommending that patients and health care professionals remain alert for heart-related side effects the entire time that NSAIDs are being taken.
"Patients taking NSAIDs should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, weakness in one part or side of their body, or slurred speech."
More information is available on the FDA website here.
In light of this further and ongoing information, the Pharmacists at Noranda Feelgood Pharmacy remind all our valued customers that we have Pharmacists readily available on the Pharmacy floor to answer all your medicine related queries and to best advise you on which medicines are best and safest for you and your condition.
Each and every time, we will ask you a number of questions so that ALL the issues raised in the article above, are considered and answered before we recommend a safe and effective medicine.
This is NOT a reason to get irritated or upset, it is a reason to come to a Pharmacy where the Pharmacists care about your health.
