FDA Continues To Strengthen Warning on NSAIDs And Heart Risk

Orlando, FL– June 21, 2016 – Pain medications are widely used by many people nowadays, especially those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis. While these pain medications are helpful, their benefits do not come without a price.

The Food and Drug Administration continues to strengthen its warning on NSAIDs and heart risk. According to the FDA, individuals who take these medications are more likely to suffer from strokes and heart attacks.

The use of prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with side effects. Even short-term use of individuals without heart disease can also at risk of these side effects.

The FDA reveals that the risk involved in taking these medications is greater than originally believed. They believe that individuals who use the medication are at a great risk of heart attack and stroke as early as the first few weeks of using it. The risk can also increase when the dose is higher.

Bill McCarberg, M.D., a San Diego family physician, believes that the new warning should give even occasional users an idea of the risk they are taking because of the use of these medications.

The level or severity of the side effects associated with the use of these pain medications may have something to do with how the medicines interact with the platelets. Platelets are blood cells that aid the blood clot and prevent bleeding.

Individuals who suffer from arthritis are huge consumers of pain medications such as NSAIDs. These drugs offer temporary pain relieving effects, and arthritis sufferers are typically forced to take the pharmaceutical drugs or increase their dose.

According to Judy Racoosin, M.D., from the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, it has been previously believed that all NSAIDs may potentially have a similar risk. She added that the increased risk typically occurs at higher doses.

The FDA recommends sufferers should seek medical attention right away in case they suffer from symptoms. Some of these symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, slurred speech, trouble breathing, and weakness.

For individuals who suffer from arthritis, there are natural alternatives for these pain medications. One is glucosamine, which is believed to help repair cartilage and improve overall joint health.

Glucosamine is one of the most popular natural alternatives for pain relief drugs. This is naturally produced by the body, and can be taken orally through supplementation. The most popular glucosamine supplements contain other natural, therapeutic ingredients such as turmeric, MSM, and chondroitin (amazon.com/glucosamine-chondroitin-msm/dp/B00DUMO9X4).