OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN MEDICATIONS
CAN HURT & INFLAME THE
INTESTINAL TRACT AND OTHER SIDE EFFECTS

One Sample Study and Side Effects Discussion.

Pain Relievers May Be More
of a Concern than Previously Suspected

BOSTON, MA -- June 17, 1999 -- In a review article published in this week's issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) researchers discussed significant and potentially fatal side-effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.

NSAIDs include medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprox), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), and many others. M. Michael Wolfe, MD, professor of medicine at BUSM and chief of the section of gastroenterology in the department of medicine at Boston Medical Center led the study.

"This is, in many ways, a silent epidemic because gastrointestinal complications are not preceded by any warning signs in a majority of individuals," Wolfe said.

For a longer abstract go to: www.pslgroup.com/dg/1082ba.htm

For the full article go to: content.nejm.org

NSAID SIDE EFFECTS

In the USA the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) documents 52,751 toxic exposures to ibuprofen. Looking at all NSAIDS together, the AAPCC also reports that complications in 1998 included 100,000 toxic exposures resulting in hospitalization and 10,000 resulting in fatality.

Intestinal symptoms include indigestion sensations. Peptic ulceration is possible.

The kidney can experience many symptoms: salt and water retention, excess potassium, renal failure and various types on kidney tissue damage.

Patients can have a wide range of rashes including very rare cases of fatal rashes, i.e., Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Brain and personality changes can occur with toxic dosing, especially in elderly or vulnerable patients. It is possible for emotions and thinking ability to change, along with possible seizures, headaches, and hallucinations. These side effects may be more common in the fatty type NSAIDS like ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and ketoprofen.

Finally, other rare but possible side effects include congestive heart failure, abnormal periods, liver injury, and excess bleeding.

For more details on side effects purchase the Yearly Lexi-Comp Guides to Drugs or go to this link: www.emedicine.com/emerg/byname/toxicity-nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-agents.htm

My Best Wishes for Your Health!

Dr. J