A recent article in the Costco Connection was interesting.
It explained that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new
warnings on the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The new
language used by the FDA is for prescription products, but they are also
looking into over-the-counter products as well. Currently over-the-counter
products warn about the risk of heart attack or stroke with increase dose and
duration of use.
The new warnings for these products are:
- The risk of heart attack or stroke can occur as early as the first weeks of using NSAIDs. The risk may increase with longer use of the product.
- NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with or without heart disease or risk factors associated with heart disease.
The article summarized the warnings in this way. “In order
to balance the benefits versus the risks, the short answer offered by most
medical professionals is: Take as small a dose of medicine as is appropriate
and/or prescribed, and take it for only as long as you need it or are directed
to take it.”
As always, talk to your health care professional or pharmacist
if you have questions or concerns.
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