NPS reassures on NSAIDs
June 10, 2010
THE National Prescribing Service
has responded to widespread
mainstream media coverage of a
Danish study into the safety of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs,
saying it’s concerned that “some
media reports may exaggerate the
risk of using these products”.
The study was published in the
Journal of the American Heart
Association and was featured in a
number of TV news and current
affairs shows last night.
Reports stated that popular pain
relievers including ibuprofen,
rofecoxib and diclofenac may
increase the risk of heart attack and
stroke in healthy people.
NPS ceo Dr Lynn Weekes said the
research “deserves careful
interpretation. Importantly, it
highlights that all medicines -
including those with a long history
of routine use - have the potential
to cause harms as well as to
provide benefits.”
Nurofen maker Reckitt Benckiser
last night issued a statement saying
there was “no clinical evidence to
suggest that consumers need to be
concerned about their safety in
relation to an increased risk of
cardiovascular events when taking
ibuprofen products, such as
Nurofen, as directed”.
The NPS said that NSAIDs
provide significant pain relief and
anti-inflammatory effects for many
people - but like all medicines have
the potential to cause harm too.
“It’s vital people realise that just
because they can purchase
something in a supermarket or
petrol station doesn’t mean the
product is without serious potential
side-effects,” Weekes said.
“Similarly, people should
understand that this study focuses
on increased risk,” she added,
urging consumers taking NSAIDs
regularly to talk to their doctor
about the lowest effective dose.
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