2024-07-25 06:35:59
The most feared effect is on the liver
Although the largest share is as much as 26 percent. – of the respondents stated that they are most afraid of the effect of drugs on the liver, S. Žukaitienė states that this fear is not justified in all cases.
“The liver processes most of the painkillers into non-toxic substances that could be eliminated through the kidneys, but do not directly affect the functioning of the liver. In general, there are very few painkillers that have a direct toxic effect on the liver, one of them is paracetamol, but it also damages the liver only if there is a significant overdose”, explains S. Žukaitienė.
The pharmacologist emphasizes that painkillers suppress the production of prostaglandins, substances that determine the occurrence of pain and inflammation. They are also responsible for important physiological functions, for example, maintaining the proper condition of the stomach, protecting against the formation of blood clots. Therefore, drugs that relieve pain and inflammation also affect the activity of the digestive tract, cardiovascular system.
However, according to S. Žukaitienė, the effect on the liver is not related to the drug’s mechanism of action. The good news is that adverse liver damage from pain medication is extremely rare.
“There are no clear risk factors that predict possible liver damage, although some research has linked increased risk to higher doses, longer duration of use, and pre-existing liver disease. It’s true, the effect on the liver can vary depending on the active substance, so you should choose medicines responsibly,” the doctor notes.
One active ingredient is an effect on liver function
16 active substances of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are registered in Lithuania and most of them are not dangerous for the liver. However, the pharmacologist singles out one that should be avoided.
“Unequivocally, nimesulide poses the greatest risk of liver dysfunction. Although it is removed from the market in some countries of the European Union and other countries of the world, precisely because of its exceptionally high side effects on the liver, unfortunately, in Lithuania, this drug is consumed a lot.
Despite the fact that this prescription preparation is prohibited to be prescribed by doctors as the first choice, it is, according to the 2023 regulation of the State Medicines Control. consumption report, ranks third in Lithuania and is really popular”, says S. Žukaitienė.
According to the pharmacologist, any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be the drug of first choice depending on the effect on the liver. Only here it is important to evaluate other, already mentioned predicted adverse reactions and individual risk factors of the patient – after evaluating them, naproxen and ibuprofen are often the safest choices.
There is also concern about the effect on the heart and blood vessels
In the study, almost a fifth of the respondents (19%) named the side effects of painkillers on the cardiovascular system as a disturbing factor.
“Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used especially responsibly by those who have experienced a myocardial infarction – some of them are prohibited for use in this condition. It is also worth paying attention to those who have not yet been diagnosed with heart or blood vessel disease, but have several risk factors – they have hypertension, smoke, have elevated cholesterol levels, do not exercise much or are under a lot of stress,” she says.
The pharmacologist observes that when assessing how many people in Lithuania face cardiovascular disorders, Lithuanians should use certain medicinal products with extreme caution.
Diclofenac is one of the most popular active substances, which has a rather pronounced side effect on the cardiovascular system. Anti-inflammatory drugs of the coxib class have the greatest effect, but they are not as popular.
“Worldwide, there are two main active substances that are most suitable for patients with cardiovascular disorders – naproxen and ibuprofen. Only when using ibuprofen for a long time, it is necessary to adhere to the recommended daily dose – not to exceed 1200 mg. Otherwise, ibuprofen’s cardiac risk is equal to that of diclofenac and coxibs,” she says.
A survey commissioned by Havas Group in 2024. April 24-May 7 conducted online by “Norstat LT”. The study represents 18-74 year olds. the opinion of the population of Lithuania. 1000 respondents participated in the survey.
2024-07-25 06:35:59