Anti-inflammatories and risk of heart problems

[cjsmith]

I keep hearing news of heart problems related to anti-inflammatories. Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex, and now naproxen sodium (Aleve) have all been found to carry some risk. [Links plagiarized from sunnydale47 with thanks!]

I've never tried Vioxx and probably now never will, although I have an old outdated prescription for it lying around. It's been taken off the market entirely. Bextra and Celebrex do little or nothing for me. Naproxen works.

I can see getting worried about the dangers. I can understand this news being the reason for changing what one would do, if one's pain isn't all that bad to begin with.

My life without anti-inflammatories wouldn't be worth a mouse's fart. I'm going to keep taking Aleve. Of course, I am also going to hope that I'm lucky enough to escape the heart trouble. My life WITH anti-inflammatories is worth keeping.

I am also going to stock up in case the FDA decides for me what risks I can and cannot take.

Comments

nodnod

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I agree that the increased risk does not seem large to me. (But then, "large" is a subjective judgment, and me, I'm already heavily biased in favor of using the stuff.) I also agree that this study is not at all a full picture.

I don't know much about the Celebrex study. 3.4 times (or 2.5 times) WHAT risk? The FDA did consider taking that one off the market. Fortunately for several people I know, they haven't taken that step.