The FDA is issuing a stronger warning on both prescription and over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen.
Labels for these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - other than aspirin - already do say that they "may cause" an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
But new analysis of existing data shows even more evidence that people who take the medication could face an increased risk of serious heart failure.
"The people who are most at risk for heart attacks and strokes have more risk for heart attack and stroke when they take these NSAIDs. However, it also turns out that people who have less risk of heart attack and stroke also might be affected by these compounds as well”, said Dr. Charles Lowenstein, chief of cardiology at UR Medicine.
He says this is worth talking to your doctor about.
In general, Dr. Lowenstein says if you do need an over-the-counter medication to control pain, it's best to take the smallest effective dose for the shortest amount of time.
