WASHINGTON — There is more evidence that Arthritis and pain-relieving drugs may contribute to Stroke deaths, according to a study published in the Nov. 5, 2014, online issue of Neurology.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The drugs examined in the study, called COX-2 inhibitors, include both older and newer drugs:
- diclofenac
- etodolac
- nabumeton
- meloxicam
- coxibs (celecoxib and rofecoxib)
COX-2 inhibitors are selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study also looked at non-selective NSAIDs, which include common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
“While newer versions of these COX-2 inhibitors drugs have been pulled off shelves, older ones are still frequently prescribed,” says study author Dr. Morten Schmidt. “Our study provides further important evidence solidifying the risks of certain arthritic pain relievers and death from stroke.”
Researchers looked at records of 100,243 people hospitalized for a first stroke in Denmark between 2004 and 2012 and deaths within one month after the stroke for the study.
Researchers gathered data about whether the participants were current, former, or non-users of these drugs within two months of the stroke.
Findings include:
- People who were current users of COX-2 inhibitors were 19 percent more likely to die after stroke than people who did not take the drugs.
- New users of the older COX-2 drugs were 42 percent more likely to die from stroke than those who were not taking the drugs.
- Those taking etodolac were 53 percent more likely to die from stroke.
Researchers found no link between the non-selective NSAIDs and increased stroke death. The study also found no link between chronic use of any of the drugs and stroke mortality.
“Our study supports stepping up efforts to make sure people with a higher risk of stroke are not prescribed these medications when other options are available,” says Schmidt.
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