The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up to improve the warning labels on non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. Studies find that using these medications are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
The move comes 10 years after warnings were added to prescription pain relievers, but researchers have found that over-the-counter medication also contains risks. Health officials caution patients not to take more than one drug containing NSAIDs at a time and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Patients should contact their physician with any questions about NSAIDs. Kidney patients in particular should talk to their doctors before NSAID usage, as prolonged use can cause kidney damage.
