NSAIDs — Yet another dubious “health” product at CVS

Now that the ‘healthiness’ of products sold at CVS stores is a matter of public discourse, it seems a perfect time to mention the common pain relievers known as Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It just so happens that two FDA advisory committees are meeting today and tomorrow to discuss the cardiovascular risks of NSAIDs. The Arthritis Advisory Committee and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee will hash out details on labeling, and will likely offer comment on whether naproxen (Aleve) may be the least risky NSAID from a cardiovascular standpoint. I’ve written a lot about the dangers of NSAIDs. I see patients with NSAID-related problems on a regular basis. And it’s not just heart patients that can suffer from adverse effects from these drugs, athletes, too are susceptible. Here’s a story on how taking NSAIDs before exercise might actually increase inflammation. I am also interested in the use of NSAIDs as a framework for thinking about medical decision-making. As in: the reasons why people take these drugs are obvious: pain hurts; pain causes immobility and there exist few other ‘easy’ alternatives for treating pain. But on the other hand, no medicine comes free of risk. NSAIDs come with serious cardiovascular, kidney and bleeding risks. The balance is precarious. Here is a post I wrote in 2012: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) — A clear and present danger The good kind of inflammation...
Source: Dr John M - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: blogs