Painkillers have been taken for granted these days, Voltaren (Diclofenac), Nurofen (Ibuprofen), Naprosyn(Naproxen), Celebrex(Coxib) just to name a few. These are all classified as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs. Many of these are easily accessable as over-the-counter drugs and have become the "go-to" pain relieve options for many who suffers from acute or chronic pain, including common headaches, neck/back pain, arthritis and other conditions.
It is alarming that many patients often overlook the risk of cardiovascular complications when choosing these drugs.
A recent study, published in prominent medical journal, The Lancet, investigated the adverse side effects of NSAIDs and found that painkillers increase the risk of major vascular events by about a third, according to its new meta-analysis of relevant clinical trials.
The main findings are as follows:
- Major vascular events were increased by about a third by Coxib, where the rate ratio was 1.37(95% CI 1.14- 1.66, P=0.0009).
- For Diclofenac: the rate ratio was 1.41 (95% CI 1.12-1.78, P=0.003), which means those taking Diclofenac are 41% more likely to get major vascular risks.
- The elevated risks were chiefly due to more major coronary events. as the study suggests that The rate ratio for such events for coxibs was 1.76 (P=0.0001), and for diclofenac, 1.70 (P=0.003). That is, those who takes Coxibs - i.e Celebrex - is 76% more at risk of developing coronary problem, and Diclofenac consumers are 70% more likely to develope coronary health issues.
- Ibuprofen also significantly increased major coronary events -- the rate ratio was 2.22 (95% CI 1.10 to 4.48, P=0.0253) -- but not major vascular events. In other words, an individual who consumes Ibuprofens in high dosages would be twice more likely to develope coronary complications than those who do not.
- Naproxen did not significantly increase major vascular events or vascular deaths.
Other factors contributing to elevated cardiovescular risks
How much the NSAIDs affects each individual does depend on a number of other factors, for example one's age; his or her health status (whether one is smoking, is diabetic, has hypertension, has hyper lipid/viscosity/cholesterol or not);the dosage of NSAIDs one takes; how often and how long one has been consuming NSAIDs. The implication is that one should always consult with medical professionals before taking NSAIDs and that only take NSAIDs when absolutely necessary, and at small dosages because apart from the vascular risks, NSAIDs are also know to a separate study published in the Lancet found between 20% to 40% increase in risk of serious upper gastronintestinal comlications, including bleeding ulcers.
Safer Alternatives
One may want to ask, is there a pain management modality that doesn't invole adverse side effects?
The answer is yes, and we recommend Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). LLLT is a form of light therapy that has strong anti-inflammatory and tissue healing effects. It works through introducing light beam of a single wavelength to affected area. Upon on penetrating skin surface, light interacts with the mitochondia of the damaged cells, which stimulates a series of photochemical changes in the cellular level that lowers the oxidative stress and relieves inflammation thereby reducing pain.
Unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, low level lasers produce no heat, sound, or vibration, and is therefore harmless to tissues; being a therapy that is medication free, it eliminates the chance of developing adverse side effects as compared to pharmaceutical interventions.
