NSAID side effects.
NSAID side effects on the cardiovascular system are the main subject of this post. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug adverse effects are often evolving, according to research.
What NSAID stands for?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): what are they?
It’s likely that you will take an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine) to relieve back pain, headaches, flare-ups of arthritis, or fever.
Every time you take an aspirin, Advil®, or Aleve®, you’re taking an NSAID. These medications are typical antipyretics and painkillers. Millions of people pick an NSAID every day to treat their headaches, body pains, stiffness, edema, and fever.
When mixed with other substances known by brand names such as Anacin®, Ascriptin®, Bufferin®, or Excedrin®, aspirin is available as a single ingredient sold under the trade names Bayer® or St. Joseph®.
Ibuprofen (marketed under the names Motrin® and Advil®).
Naproxen sodium, also marketed under the name Aleve®
In drug stores and supermarkets, where you can also get less-priced generic (not brand-name) aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, you can purchase non-prescription strength, over-the-counter NSAIDs.
Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is not an NSAID. It lowers the temperature and eases discomfort, but it lacks NSAIDs’ anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, acetaminophen and aspirin can occasionally be found together in over-the-counter medications, such as some Excedrin® variants.
Clinical studies found the statistically proven possibility of NSAID side effects on the cardiovascular system
Short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) is associated with a first-time heart failure hospitalization in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study presented at ESC Congress 2022.
According to the first author, Dr. Anders Holt of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, one in six patients with type 2 diabetes used at least one NSAID prescription within a year of the study. “In general, we always advise patients to speak with their physician before beginning a new medicine, and given the findings from this study, we hope to assist physicians in reducing risk when prescribing NSAIDs.
There isn’t enough data on people with type 2 diabetes, however, NSAID use has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure in the general population. Since type 2 diabetics are more likely to have heart failure than people without the condition, NSAIDs may be much more dangerous in these individuals.
In a countrywide population of type 2 diabetes patients, this study examined the association between short-term NSAID use and the risk of first-time heart failure hospitalization. In order to find persons with type 2 diabetes who were diagnosed between 1998 and 2021, the researchers examined Danish registries. Patients who required long-term NSAID therapy due to rheumatological disease or heart failure were not eligible.
The most popular type of anti-inflammatory drug is NSAIDs. The most widely used NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (often referred to as Advil), and naproxen (known by the brand name Aleve and Naprosyn). Nevertheless, some medications can have negative effects while being widely used.
Information on prescriptions for oral NSAIDs (celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen) was acquired prior to the first heart failure hospitalization. A case-crossover method was used to investigate the relationships between short-term NSAID use and the likelihood of being admitted to the hospital for the first time due to heart failure. Each patient acted as their own control in this method.
What was the study baseline?
331,189 participants with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. There were 44% women and a 62-year-old median age. 16% of patients reported at least one NSAID prescription during the first year following study enrollment, and 3% reported at least three prescriptions. 12.2% of patients utilized ibuprofen, 3.3% used diclofenac, 0.9% used naproxen, and 0.4% used celecoxib. A total of 23,308 patients experienced their first heart failure hospitalization throughout the course of a median follow-up of 5.85 years.
An increased likelihood of hospitalization for the first time due to heart failure was linked to NSAID use, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-1.63). Diclofenac or ibuprofen use was associated with a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization when specific NSAIDs were examined separately; the corresponding ORs were 1.48 (95% CI 1.10-2.00) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.26-1.69), respectively. Celecoxib and naproxen were not linked to an elevated risk, possibly as a result of the low number of reported prescriptions.
The risk of NSAID side effects such as heart failure in patient subgroups was also examined by the researchers. Patients with normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values (below 48 mmol/mol), a sign of well-controlled diabetes, showed no connection. Those over 65 years old showed strong relationships, however, patients under 65 years old showed no associations. The strongest correlation of NSAID side effects was discovered among very infrequent or new NSAID users.
Dr. Holt pointed out that the study did not contain information on the usage of NSAIDs purchased over the counter. However, he added: “This was a constraint, but it probably had no effect on the results given that a prior analysis revealed that over-the-counter NSAIDs make up a minor part of overall use.”
“We cannot conclude that NSAID side effects cause heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, because this was an observational study,” he said in his conclusion. The findings do, however, imply that when considering the use of these drugs, a potentially elevated risk of NSAID side effects on the cardiovascular systems, such as heart failure should be taken into account. For patients under 65 and those with well-controlled diabetes, however, the statistics suggest that it may be safe to give short-term NSAIDs.
Avoid NSAID side effects using alternative pain relief treatments.
It’s always a good idea to avoid the consumption of NSAIDs even if you are not suffering from diabetes. They are well-known NSAID side effects on other body systems described by medical professionals.
If you take NSAIDs at high dosages or for an extended period of time, you may experience side effects. While some side effects are minor and pass quickly, some are more severe and demand medical care. Do not combine an over-the-counter NSAID with a prescription NSAID, take numerous over-the-counter NSAIDs, or take more NSAIDs than the suggested amount unless your doctor instructs you to. This could make side effects more likely to occur.
The most frequent adverse effects are those listed below, although there could be others. If you have any queries concerning the specific drug you are taking, ask your doctor.
The most frequently reported gastrointestinal (stomach and gut) side effects of NSAIDs are:
- Gas
- Bloat
- Heartburn
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
The majority of the time, these gastrointestinal NSAID side effects can be avoided by taking the medication with food, milk, or antacids (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®).
Even if you take the NSAID with food, milk, or an antacid, call your doctor if these symptoms last for more than a few days. It may be necessary to cease using the NSAID and switch.
Other NSAID side effects include:
- lightheadedness;
- experiencing dizziness;
- difficulties with balance;
- difficulties focusing;
- slight headaches;
Call your doctor and stop taking the NSAID if these symptoms persist for more than a few days.
Stay off NSAIDs if it is not a medical necessity.
Acupuncture is one of the most famous alternative treatments scientifically approved for pain control and pain management. If you are living in the City of Brotherly Love you may benefit from different holistic approaches to pain control. Contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic at (267) 403-3085 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation. Another effective alternative treatment for pain is homeopathy. Our patients very often stop taking NSAIDs as a result of successful homeopathic treatment.
Hypnosis and NLP are also successfully used for pain management, especially in cases of regional pain syndrome, and insufficient pain tolerance.
All holistic approaches are available at the clinic under one roof. Our medical providers are certified, licensed, and insured.
Avoid NSAID side effects and stay healthy.