Dangers of Common Drugs

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- If you take pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), you may want to consider the findings of two new studies. Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston report that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors are linked to increased risks to hearts and kidneys.

The new research backs up previous findings that led the FDA to pull two COX-2 inhibitors, rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra), from the market.

Scientists report that test of COX-2 inhibitors uncovered kidney problems and arrhythmia in patients taking rofecoxib (Vioxx) but not in patients who were taking other types of COX-2 inhibitors, "Indicating no overall evidence for a COX-2 inhibitor class effect," write the authors.

In a second study, researchers report their review of previous studies confirms the findings from randomized trials regarding the risk of cardiovascular events with rofecoxib (Vioxx). They also report that celecoxib (Celebrex) may not increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in commonly used doses.

The researchers also report their data contradicts claims of a cardio-protective effect of naproxen (Aleve), which a previous study claimed would explain the adverse effects seen in trials of Vioxx compared to Aleve. The researchers also report serious questions about the safety of diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren XR), an older drug.

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SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, published online Sept. 12, 2006