“What’s new about our study is that we show that patients taking NSAIDs have a higher risk of developing blood clots in their legs or lungs. We already know from previous studies that several NSAIDs increase the risk of heart fibrillation and thrombosis,” said study lead physician and PhD student Morten Schmidt, Department of Clinical Epidemiology at Aarhus University Hospital. As part of the study, Dr. Schmidt and his colleagues looked at data from every Danish patient who was hospitalized with a blood clot in the legs or lungs between 1999 and 2006. In total, they identified 8,368 patients who had blood clots in the legs or lungs. They then checked how many of the patients had bought a prescription NSAID drug less than 60 days before being admitted with a blood clot. DON’T WASTE Alcoholic drink found to increase blood clot risk within ‘1 hour’ [ADVICE]Vitamin B12 deficiency: The smelly symptom that signals low levels [INSIGHT]The drink showed a greater risk of stroke in 1 hour [TIPS] It’s important to note that the study did not show that any particular type of NSAID medication is best avoided to minimize risk. “Our study shows that there is an increased risk of blood clots regardless of the NSAID medication the patient is taking,” said Dr. Schmidt. Other studies have also found this association. A 2014 meta-analysis found a statistically significant increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users, leading researchers to say that these drugs should be prescribed with caution. More research is still needed to confirm these findings and make specific recommendations based on them.
What the NHS says
Like all medicines, there is a risk of side effects from NSAIDs. “These tend to be more common if you take high doses for a long time or if you are elderly or in poor general health,” explains the NHS. According to the health agency, over-the-counter NSAIDs generally have fewer side effects than stronger prescription drugs. “In rare cases, liver, kidney or heart and circulatory problems, such as heart failure, heart attacks and strokes,” he notes. Other possible side effects include:
Dyspepsia – including stomach aches, nausea and diarrhoea Stomach ulcer headaches drowsiness dizziness Allergic reactions.
“If you experience bothersome side effects, stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor,” advises the NHS.
