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 The increased risk with diclofenac was similar to the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib, a drug withdrawn from worldwide markets because of cardiovascular toxicity.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

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 This risk is almost identical to that of Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was withdrawn from worldwide sales in 2004 because of cardiovascular risk...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

Families face battle with GSK over dangerous diabetes drug
Exclusive: Pharmaceutical giant resists claims despite settlement with victims in USThousands of families in the UK could be deprived of compensation for the death or harm of a relative caused by the diabetes drug Avandia, even though the British maker has agreed to pay billions of dollars to settle similar claims in the US.The licence for Avandia was revoked in Europe, in September 2010, because of evidence that it could cause heart failure and heart attacks. The drug can still be prescribed in the US, but not to patients at risk of heart problems.A scientist with the Food and Drug Administration estimated that Avandia co...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - January 29, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Sarah Boseley Tags: The Guardian United States World news Pharmaceuticals industry Medical research Legal aid Law UK news Diabetes GlaxoSmithKline Business Source Type: news