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Did you know? NSAIDs can reduce the risk of heart disease, but the side effects are worrying!
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of therapeutic drugs widely used to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, reduce fever and prevent blood clots. However, the side effects of these drugs have caused widespread concern. According to research, the use of NSAIDs is not only associated with the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, but may also increase the risk of heart disease and kidney disease. This makes it important for medical professionals to carefully consider the risks and benefits when using these medications.
Nonsteroids is a term that has been widely used since the 1960s to distinguish these drugs from their steroid counterparts, mainly due to problems with overuse and side effects after the introduction of steroids.
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, including COX-1 and COX-2. The main role of these enzymes within cells is to synthesize biological mediators such as prostaglandins and thromboxane. Most NSAIDs are non-selective, which inhibit the activity of COX-1 and COX-2 at the same time. Although this helps reduce inflammation, it may also lead to reduced platelet aggregation, thereby increasing the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.
In contrast, COX-2 selective inhibitors have fewer gastrointestinal side effects but may promote thrombosis, and some of these drugs may significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Due to these side effects, some COX-2 selective inhibitors that were widely used in the past, such as rofecoxib, are no longer used.
Medical uses of NSAIDs
NSAIDs are often used to treat acute or chronic pain, especially when pain and inflammation are present. NSAIDs are recommended for many medical conditions, including chronic pain, post-surgical pain, and pain after dental procedures.
There are no firm conclusions about its effectiveness for non-cancer chronic pain and cancer-related pain because a sufficient number of high-quality randomized controlled trials have not yet been conducted.
Risk of side effects and car accidents
The side effects of NSAIDs are becoming increasingly common, and the use of these drugs may cause a variety of gastrointestinal, heart and kidney problems. According to research, approximately 10-20% of NSAIDs users may experience dyspepsia, and use of high doses of NSAIDs may lead to serious upper gastrointestinal adverse events, including bleeding.
In addition, elderly patients must be particularly careful when using NSAIDs. The balance between the benefits and potential side effects of NSAIDs has not been fully established in patients over 65 years of age. Some studies also show that NSAID use may contribute to the development of chronic pain.
Impact on heart health
In addition to the known gastrointestinal risks, NSAIDs use is also strongly associated with heart health problems. These drugs, except aspirin, often increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. The FDA even strengthened its warning in 2015 that NSAIDs increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Patients who continue to use NSAIDs are at increased risk, especially those with a history of heart disease.
Some studies have found that naproxen, for example, may be the least harmful compared to other NSAIDs. Patients taking NSAIDs need to talk to their healthcare provider early, especially those with heart disease or other risk factors.
Effects on liver and kidney function
Risk to liver and kidney function is also one of the main issues when using NSAIDs. NSAIDs cause renal insufficiency by affecting blood flow to the kidneys, which may lead to the development of chronic kidney disease, especially with long-term use.
In addition, NSAIDs use has been associated with hypertension and edema, with the risk being particularly high for patients with impaired renal function.
Other considerations
Due to the widespread use of NSAIDs, many problems have arisen. Drug-drug interactions, such as concurrent use with quinolone antibiotics, may increase the risk of CNS side effects. In some cases, NSAIDs may also interact with other medications, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.
As for allergies and anaphylactoid reactions, many patients experience allergic reactions after using NSAIDs, which requires careful observation and professional medical advice.
Finally, while NSAIDs can be very effective in relieving pain, their side effects and potential risks make many medical professionals cautious about their use. Have you considered all the risks and benefits of using NSAIDs?
