NEW WARNING ON OVER THE COUNTER PAINKILLERS. (OTC)

New warning on over the counter painkillers (OTC). NSAIDs are among the most common pain relievers in the world. And lately, they're among the most controversial. 
If you are one the more than 29 million Americans who regularly use painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen - including over-the-counter brands like advil ,motrin and aleeve - the government has new words of warning for you: Using these drugs increases your risk of heart and stroke.
Studies reviewed  by a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel last year found mounting evidence that NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure whether or not a person has heart disease. Those with a history of heart problem are at the highest risk "no matter who you are, your risk increases," says Bruce Lambert director of the of the Center for Communication and Health, who specialize in drug-safety communication. 

NSAID - or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- are among the most common pain relief medicines in the world. Every day more than 29 million Americans use them to soothe headaches, sprains, arthritis symptoms, and other daily discomforts, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. And as if that wasn't enough, in addition to dulling pain NSAIDs also lower fever and reduce swelling.

But how do those little pills do so much? And if they're so good in some ways, why do they also raise the risk of heart problems in some people? The answer is complicated. Even researchers don't fully understand how NSAIDs work.

 A new warning on prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs will point out that the increased risk can occur even within the first few weeks of taking the drug and might rise with high doses taken for an extended period of time. The new warning does not apply to either aspirin or acetaminophen

RISKS

Most people who use NSAIDs don't have any serious problems with them. But in some -- especially those who need pain relief regularly -- there can be a downside.

• Gastrointestinal Problems

When you swallow a pill, it affects your whole system, not just the part that hurts. So while an NSAID may do a great job of easing your pain, it may also be having other effects -- some of them unwanted -- in other parts of your body.

The most common risk of standard NSAIDs is that they can cause ulcers and other problems in your esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

• High Blood Pressure and Kidney Damage

How can NSAIDs affect your blood pressure? NSAIDs reduce the blood flow to the kidneys, which makes them work more slowly. When your kidneys are not working well, fluid builds up in your body. The more fluid in your bloodstream, the higher your blood pressure. It's that simple.

If you take NSAIDs in high doses, the reduced blood flow can permanently damage your kidneys. It can eventually lead to kidney failure and require dialysis.

• Allergic Reactions

NSAIDs can also cause extreme allergic reactions, especially in people with asthma. Experts aren't sure why. Many specialists recommend that people who have asthma stay away from any NSAID, especially if they have sinus problems or nasal polyps.

Talk to your doctor before taking an NSAID if any of these risk factors apply to you: You have any of these health problems:

• decreased kidney or liver function, or an uncontrolled liver problem (such as hepatitis)
• ulcer, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or stomach bleeding now or in the past
• low platelet count
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• asthma or chronic lung disease
• reflux disease (also known as GERD), indigestion or hiatal hernia
• high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or a past stroke or heart attack
• You are allergic to aspirin, other NSAIDs, or sulfa drugs, or have nasal polyps (linked to a greater chance of NSAID allergy)
• You take blood thinners or corticosteroids (see “Drug interactions” below)
• You are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• You drink more than seven alcoholic drinks per week or more than two in a day
• Your age is 65 or older

Doctors have long warned not to give aspirin to children under age 12, but teens with a virus also should avoid drugs containing aspirin. There is a risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but deadly illness that can affect the brain and liver.

 Restrict NSAID's use to more severe cases of pain. If you do take them, stick to the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.