NSAIDs ibuprofen and naproxen, sold over the counter as Motrin, Advil and Aleve were in the news again for their role in causing heart attacks and strokes.
Though several years have passed, it is still a timely warning! Lots of us pop pain-relievers like ibuprofen as needed, thinking they’re harmless — but that’s really not the case according to the FDA.
“In 2005, the FDA warned that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen increased the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Then in July 2015, the FDA took the unusual step of further strengthening this warning.
This was done on the advice of an expert panel that reviewed additional information about NSAIDs and their risks. Because NSAIDs are widely used, it’s important to be aware of downsides of taking an NSAID and to take steps to limit the risk.” (source)
More of NSAIDs downsides
“NSAIDs may also elevate blood pressure and cause heart failure.
The risk of heart attack and stroke achieved special notoriety with rofecoxib (Vioxx), a type of NSAID called a COX-2 inhibitor.
It caused as many as 140,000 heart attacks in the U.S. during the five years it was on the market (Vioxx was removed from the market in 2004).
The regrettable experience with Vioxx raised awareness about the cardiovascular risk of NSAIDs, and led to further studies showing that the risk is not limited to Vioxx but is associated with all NSAIDs. (source)
Some of the other drugs include Celebrex, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn and Toradol. (Aspirin is included in this recent warning.)
Considering that the FDA hasn’t warned about many troubling and dangerous things in our food supply, it is refreshing that the FDA has issued a warning.
The FDA’s words are “from the first weeks you begin using an NSAID, there’s an increased chance of heart attack and stroke.
“These risks apply to everyone, whether you’re already prone to other cardiovascular events or not.”
Why Say ‘No’ To NSAIDs
Many have known for some time that these drugs – called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs – have serious side effects and are a major cause of drug-induced injury. They are estimated to cause at least 16,000 deaths per year and send 100,000 people to the emergency room in the U.S. The most common damage they cause are digestive ulcers and bleeding. I believe some doctors give a drug to reduce stomach acid to minimize the stomach-damaging effects of NSAIDs. And, yes, that drug has side effects of its own.
Studies also have shown increased risk of other conditions, including atrial fibrillation, where the heartbeat becomes rapid and weak; kidney damage; and delayed or blocked healing, both of fractures and soft tissue injuries.
The FDA just reversed itself on using “baby aspirin” to prevent heart attacks and strokes, finding that it really doesn’t reduce deaths, but does expose the patient to significant risks.
Now there is newer evidence, which led to these stronger warnings, showing that even short courses of these drugs at recommended doses can have serious side effects.
The deputy director of the FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Addiction Products, said, “There is no period of use shown to be without risk.” She also addressed the fact that while people who already have heart disease may be at more risk, even those without any history of this problem may develop it from taking these drugs.
Consider NATURAL Pain Relief INSTEAD of NSAIDs
These all affect inflammation. You may consider doing more than one thing for a synergistic effect.
In my own life and in working with others, I have seen how dietary and supplement changes can greatly alleviate many of the symptoms NSAIDs are usually taken for. The effectiveness of each of these individual methods will vary by individual, but a comprehensive plan can often greatly alleviate symptoms across the board.
Remember: chronic inflammation = chronic pain.
Lower your inflammation, and you’ll reduce or eliminate pain and your body can heal itself.
Updated to add 1. Biofreeze.
Used by pro teams (Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees, Dodgers, Chicago Cubs to name a few), you can get Biofreeze at Amazon, CVS, Walmart, Meijer, Target, etc. many people swear by it and several readers have told me specifically about it. Good ingredients that work on many levels. Worth a try.
2. Turmeric for pain, chronic or acute:
Turmeric beats Prozac and Ibuprofen for pain in numerous studies. Instead of nasty side-effects like most patented pharmaceutical medications, turmeric research has shown it to benefit over 160 different pathways in the body. Turmeric quashes inflammation. 4,000 mg in divided doses per day can work wonders for most people. Ex: capsules, powder
How To Make {& Use} Turmeric Golden Paste
3. Non-THC CBD oil has just recently been given the clearance for legal sale in many states.
I wrote a short article about it here.
• No fear of mind-altering affects
• Complies with the guidelines of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
To get clear unbiased information check out this site.
4. Magnesium and raspberry leaf for cramps or PMS:
Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, CRAMPy, and stiff — whether it is a body part or an even a mood — is a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency has even has been linked to inflammation in the body and higher CRP levels. Most people benefit from 800 to 1,000 mg a day. (source) Ex: capsules or a powder product like Natural Calm so that you can vary your dose and work up slowly.
Don’t forget Raspberry leaf: I have information on this fabulous herb for women here.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids:
Both Omega-3 fatty acid supplements seriously reduces inflammation. These “good fats” lower inflammation. That can help with joint pain and stiffness, back pain, and pain from menstrual cramps. Take up to 3 grams of fish or flax oil per day as supplement. Ex. fish oil capsules, flax seed oil (successfully used after neurosurgery for pain relief-source)
6. Coconut Oil:
I swear by virgin (not refined) coconut oil, but I take a LOT!!! Virgin coconut oil reduces inflammation. It is also amazing for hormone health. It provides the necessary building blocks for hormone production, can assist weight loss and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
If you really need hormone help, aim to consume 1/4 cup of added virgin (not processed) coconut oil a day. My favorite way is to blend into a smoothie, coffee or tea. I use this extra virgin coconut oil.
7. Probiotics:
If you have an inflammatory type of arthritis, probiotics may be especially important. The beneficial bacteria in the gut appear to have an impact on inflammation all through the body, reducing common biomarkers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein. It may also help with irritable bowel syndrome, especially pain and bloating. An average adult dosage is 10 billion CFUs per day. Ex: capsules
8. MSM and sulfur-rich foods:
MSM is a powerful anti-inflammatory due to its ability to allow metabolic wastes to be removed from the cells. MSM is a beneficial nutrient for helping conditions like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and helps in breaking up the unhealthy calcium deposits in the body that are the root cause of degenerative diseases. 500 mg three times daily up to 3 grams twice daily. Ex: capsules
In addition, taking adequate supplements of MSM helps in:\
• Improving joint flexibility
• Reducing pain and swelling
• Reducing stiffness
• Improving circulation
9. Boswellia for cluster headaches:
It’s known as Indian frankincense. In one study, people who often get cluster headaches had milder, less frequent headaches when they took boswellia. You can take it as a tablet, up to 900 milligrams per day. (source)
10. White willow bark
White willow bark is nature’s aspirin. It has salicin, which tames inflammation. It’s good for headaches and may ease low back pain. As a capsule, take 120-240 milligrams per day. Ex: capsules, powder, extract (source)
Label Reading
You may be taking an NSAID and not realize it especially if you’re taking a combination pill, like a multi-symptom cold-relief medication. Don’t take multiple medications with the same active ingredient allowing a build up in your body.
If an over-the-counter pain reliever isn’t actually working to improve your symptoms, stop taking it. And if you have symptoms of a heart issue while taking NSAIDs, like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness in a part of the body, seek medical attention immediately.
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Shari
Where does Tylenol fit in? Is it any better??
Jacqueline
Hi, Shari!
Tylenol has its own set of problems. Sudden liver failure being one:
Aug. 30, 2013 — Caps on bottles of the popular pain reliever Tylenol that are sold in the United States will soon come with warnings alerting consumers to the potential for liver failure and even death, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
The warning will state that Tylenol’s active ingredient is acetaminophen, the nation’s leading cause of sudden liver failure. The new cap is designed to alert consumers who may not read similar warnings that already appear in small print on the product’s label, the AP said.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20130830/tylenol-new-warning
Jennifer
Could you please provide me with your list of credible sources (ie., peer reviewed scientific articles)? Thanks.
Jacqueline
Actually, no, Jennifer. I am defaulting to the FDA’s clear and strong warning which I linked to in my post: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm453610.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
If you read in this link it says, “FDA added a boxed warning to prescription drug labels for this risk in 2005. More recent data and information are prompting FDA to update NSAID labeling. Today we know that the risk of heart attack and stroke may occur early in treatment, even in the first weeks. There is no period of use shown to be without risk,” says Judy Racoosin, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director of FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Addiction Products.”
That is all I need, especially when the FDA is SLOW to warn consumers!!! I hope this helps 🙂
Shari
Also, how does MSM compare to collagen? Do they do anything similar other than help skin,nails, and hair?
Jacqueline
I am not sure how it compares to collagen, but I do know it does many, many things because of its sulfur content. This might be helpful to explain: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-522-msm%20methylsulfonylmethane.aspx?activeingredientid=522 It helps with joints and so much more.
Hope this helps!
Melissa M.
Thank you for this report!
Dana
Thank you for this informative post! I take Advil far too often!
Jacqueline
You’re welcome, Dana. I will pray you find the right alternative for you and your bodies needs!
Blessings, friend!
JES
Thank you for this! Advil was the last over the counter medicine that I have held on to (with all my heart as I do love this horrible stuff!!!)… I need to practice more discipline to use these healthier alternatives. I appreciate this warning!
Jill@JillsHomeRemedies
Such great, helpful information!
Anne
I heard this report…makes me so sad because I have discs out in my back and on some days the pain is debilitating without an anti-inflammatory drug. I am able to continue caring for my family because of Nsaids. Turmeric…I am using but I do not notice any pain relief. My mother who had rheumatoid arthritis took aspirin for over 30 years.
Science is always changing so we shall see. My Dad who had a stroke was told a baby aspirin a day would have kept the blood platelets slippery so they would not have clotted and his stroke would have been prevented. He was told this by UCLA physicians. Years ago I read that some of these drugs reduce tumor size. I know they filter out through the kidney and so I try not to take them everyday. I appreciate the information but will continue to pay attention and wait for the next batch of warnings to come.
Blessings,
Anne
Jacqueline
I will pray for you, Anne. I am sorry for your pain and hope it will finally be a thing of the past.
κατασκευη ιστοσελιδων
Great post! Thank you so much. We will be linking to this on our website.
Keep up the good help to keep us aware of the dangers to consumers.
Marney
Thank you for this information. I tried the turmeric paste for a viral headache and it worked! I halved the recipe, but have so much I don’t think I’ll use it all in two weeks. Do you think this would still be effective if I froze it for future use? Thanks again!
Jacqueline
Yay, Marney! Yes, freezing it is great! I once purchased organic cilantro cubes in a little tray much like miniature ice cubes. I saved the little tray and now use it for turmeric paste. So glad you you have success, friend 🙂
Debbie
Thank you for sharing this important information. I know that using too many NSAIDs is not a good thing, but I didn’t realize how bad they are. And I hadn’t heard about the reversal of the aspirin use. Thanks for sharing at the Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Karen
Is your advice to take these supplements on a daily basis so as to prevent pain, or to take only on days one experiences pain? And, are you recommending adding all these supplements to one’s diet, or do they overlap benefits and one supplement may work for one person and a different person may have success with a different one? What about acute pain? Are these supplements safe for children’s use? Are the dosages different for them? I realize you are not a doctor; this is new info to me and I am interested in making changes, just not sure about some of the details! Thanks!
Jacqueline
Hi, Karen,
These suggestions are just that, suggestions for you to research out and apply as you feel the need. I have used turmeric, magnesium, probiotics, omega-3 as flax oil, and coconut oil for years and years and feel it is very anti-aging,especially together… I use them every day for mood and to reduce/ remove inflammation which is the underlying cause for many diseases. All of the are very safe and helpful, but I always recommend you to talk with your doctor. If you have chronic pain, turmeric daily does wonders. See the turmeric golden paste post for dosage, start small and work up till you get the amount you need and stay there. You may even be able to back off at some point. We are all different…I hope that helps, Karen 🙂
PS research the amounts for each supplement and for the dosage for children. It will depend mostly on the weight. You can google and read, read, read. It would be impossible to write a coherent post on every detail 🙂
I will pray you can apply this FDA warning and the possible helps in a way that is a blessing to you!
Michele
Thanks for the warning about NSAIDS. I am coming to believe that we are better off without ANY medications, and have been looking to food and more natural sources of healing.
Jacqueline
Michele, you’re on the right track!!
smiling notes
Thanks a lot for this helpful information!