The painkiller is widely used to treat a range of conditions, including headaches, back pain, arthritis and the flu, but researchers warn of the potential risks.
The research showed that The widely prescribed painkiller diclofenac is linked to a 50% increased risk of heart attack or stroke, even at low doses.
The study also found increased risks of heart failure and irregular heartbeat across all ages in both men and women.
Diclofenac, which was available over the counter, was reclassified in the UK as a prescription drug due to serious concerns about its side effects. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency made the change in January 2015, citing a “small but increased” risk of heart problems.
The study, which involved more than six million people, is considered the largest of its kind, and linked the drug to “significant cardiovascular events.”
Cardiologist Morten Schmidt from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark highlighted the cardiovascular risks associated with diclofenac compared to non-use, paracetamol and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In the study published in the scientific journal BMJ, Dr. Schmidt supports prescription-only access to diclofenac, and emphasizes the need for clear warnings on the packaging.
The results show that diclofenac users are more likely to have heart health problems.
Rates of health complications among patients using diclofenac increased significantly by 50% after 30 days compared to those not taking any medication.
extra, there was a 20% increase compared to users of ibuprofen or paracetamol and an alarming 30% increase compared to people taking naproxen.
“It is time to recognize the potential health risk of diclofenac and reduce its use,” say the researchers.
Researchers from the Department of Clinical Epidemiology at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, looked at data on more than 6.3 million people, comparing those who took diclofenac (average age 46) with those who took paracetamol, another non-prescription painkiller or no pain relief. .
Found out increased incidence of serious cardiovascular events among those who took diclofenac for a month. Complications included cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, early cardiovascular death, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is increased for both sexes regardless of age, and it applies even to low doses of the drug.
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