Patients of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) recently received an increased warning for consumption of the class of drugs following the release of a study published in the medical journal, the Archives of Internal Medicine on January 26, which found that "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are harmful to heart-failure patients."
The study reported that individuals who received the medications were subject to "dose-related increases in risk of death and re-hospitalization for heart failure.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NSAIDs are drugs that are used "to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heart (inflammation) from medical conditions such as different types of arthritis, menstrual cramps and other types of short-term pains. However, the NSAIDs have recently been associated with an increased risk of developing a heart attack/heart failure or stroke among patients who:
* use NSAID medications for longer periods of time
* people with heart disease
* those who have or will undergo a coronary artery bypass graft
Although these drugs are considered to have dangerous side effects, the study notes that their use is still widespread among a heart-diseased population, which could potentially lead to increased risks of heart failure among patients eventually causing death or coma.
Heart Failure Causes
In addition to the use of NSAIDs, there are several other causes of heart failure among many Americans which are enhanced by the consumption of NSAIDs, including the following, which were reported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* coronary artery disease
* high blood pressure
* diabetes
* heart muscle diseases
* heart valve disorders
* arrhythmias, also irregular heartbeats
* congenital heart defects
* treatments for cancer, radiation and chemotherapy
* thyroid disorders
* alcohol abuse
* HIV/AIDS
* cocaine and other illegal drugs
* consumption of too much vitamin E
NSAIDs Uses
As the study noted, the popularity of NSAIDs continues to grow and many individuals use some form of NSAIDs on a daily or weekly basis for the following conditions:
* acute gout
* menstrual pain
* renal colic
* fever
* tissue injury pain
* rheumatoid arthritis
* osteoarthritis
* Reiter's syndrome and other inflammatory arthropathies
* metastatic bone pain
* headache and migraine
* post-operative pain
Many NSAIDs are overlooked for their severe side effects, which cannot only cause heart failure, but can also cause the following side effects, according to the online medical resource for doctors, MedicineNet:
* upset stomach
* nausea
* vomiting
* heartburn
* headache
* diarrhea
* constipation
* drowsiness
* unusual fatigue
* stomach pain
* swelling of feet or ankles
* ringing in ears
* vision changes
* joint pain
* muscle pain and weakness
* easy bruising, bleeding
* persistent sore throat
* fever
Additionally, MedicineNet reports that the following NSAID side effects must be reported immediately to a medical professional as they often signal a much more serious condition or allergic reaction.
* changes in urine color
* yellowing of eyes/skin
* black stools
* persistent stomach and abdominal pain
* coffee ground appearing vomit
* rash
* itching
* swelling
* dizziness
* difficulty breathing
Prescription Drug Dangers
There are several NSAIDs currently available on the market that are accompanied by severe side effects, one of which is Celebrex.
Celebrex (celecoxib) is one of the NSAIDs drugs released from Pfizer in 1998 as a prescription only anti-inflammatory drug. It is part of the COX-2 NSAIDs and is popular among arthritis patients.
However, in late 2004, the drug came under scrutiny as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) learned of additional Celebrex side effects, which might be damaging to patients. The FDA required the drug's makers to increase the drug's warning labels to include the newly discovered side effects. Although the drug has received an increased warning label, its side effects may still cause patients severe damage, and many have pushed for the drug's recall.
Another NSAID that was, however, removed from the market is that of Bextra, also from Pfizer, which was recalled in April 2005 after it was linked to the onset of heart attack, stroke and a rare, but debilitating condition known as Steven's Johnson Syndrome (SJS). The syndrome, SJS, has a range of side effects including the development of skin rashes ranging up to blindness, depending on the severity of the condition.
If an individual has previously or currently suffers from any of the Bextra side effects they may be eligible for the creation of a Bextra class action lawsuit, which could result in being awarded monetary compensation for damages endured by a victim.
To learn more about developing litigation involving the use of NSAIDs, it is advisable for a victim to locate a pharmaceutical attorney. Frequently, a law firm specializing in pharmaceuticals will provide a free legal consultation to victims of the NSAIDs side effects including those who have consumed Celebrex or Bextra.
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