Widely used diclofenac associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events
Diclofenac, which is listed on the essential-medicine lists of 74 countries, increased the risk of cardiovascular events between 38% and 63% in different studies. The increased risk with diclofenac was similar to the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib, a drug withdrawn from worldwide markets because of cardiovascular toxicity. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - February 13, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Commonly used painkiller 'should be banned over heart risk'
A painkiller used by at least a million people in Britain a year should be banned because it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke by almost half, say British academics. (Source: Telegraph Health)
Source: Telegraph Health - February 12, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: heart attack ibuprofen diclofenac nsaid stroke Source Type: news
Diclofenac Most Commonly Used NSAID In 15 Countries, Listed On 74 National Drug Lists, Despite Cardiovascular Risks
A study in this week's PLOS Medicine finds that the painkiller diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the same class as aspirin) is the most commonly used NSAID in the 15 countries studied and is included in the essential medicines lists of 74 low-, middle- and high-income countries, despite its known tendency to cause heart attacks and strokes in vulnerable patients. This risk is almost identical to that of Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was withdrawn from worldwide sales in 2004 because of cardiovascular risk... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - February 12, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pain / Anesthetics Source Type: news
Voltarol® (diclofenac) various formulations - Revised SPC
Source: eMC (electronic Medicines Compendium)
Area: Other Library Updates > SPC Changes
Section 4.2 of the SPC has been updated to include severe renal and hepatic impairment as contraindications. Caution is advised when using these medicines in mild and moderate renal or hepatic impairment.
Volteral® ampoules are not recommended for use in children.
Please see links to separate SPCs for full prescribing information (Source: NeLM - SPC Changes)
Source: NeLM - SPC Changes - February 12, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news
Diclofenac used and recommended globally, despite cardiovascular risks
(Public Library of Science) A study in this week's PLOS Medicine finds that the painkiller diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the same class as aspirin) is the most commonly used NSAID in the 15 countries studied and is included in the essential medicines lists of 74 low-, middle- and high-income countries, despite its known tendency to cause heart attacks and strokes in vulnerable patients. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - February 12, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news
