As reported by the NBC, researchers of the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S. conducted a 10-year study, which tested more than 24,000 patients, to identify if the anti-inflammatory, athritis painkiller, Celebrex, was associated with heart attacks (a decade ago, its sister product Vioxx was found to be responsible for numerous deaths).
And what they discovered was astonishing.
Compared to other popular pain medications, ibuprofen and Naproxen, Celebrex, if consumed moderately, has no link to an increased risk of heart disease and is actually the safer of the three to consume.
Still, it raises the question: do you know what your common medication is doing to your body?
Dr Steven Nissen, the lead author of this study, says he was surprised by this finding. Not only that, but he was shocked to discover that Celebrex has a lower risk of kidney failure and stomach bleeding than a popular drug most Australian households possess, or have possessed: ibuprofen.
On top of understanding the detrimental impact drugs like ibuprofen can have when not consumed moderately (and safely), this study is also important because it gives doctors flexibility and, ultimately, more trust in prescribing Celebrex – an affordable treatment for arthritis sufferers.
5 questions you should always ask your pharmacist
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center [sic], this is what you should ask when you pay for and pick up a prescription from the chemist.
1. What is the medication, and what does it do?
2. How long should I take it for?
3. Is it safe to become pregnant or breast-feed while taking this medication?
4. Does this medication contain anything that will cause an allergic reaction?
5. What if I forget to take my medication or take it incorrectly?
If you would like to learn more about Celebrex, ibuprofen and Naproxen, speak to your GP or local pharmacist.
