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by Joe D. Hymer, M.D.
Consumer Reports is considered by most Americans to be the most reliable source of unbiased product information in the country. You may be shocked to discover what this revered organization says about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Important Warning:People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as ibuprofen may have a high risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time... NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, are older in age, have poor health, or who drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day while taking ibuprofen...1 |
For years, OB-GYN's have warned their pregnant patients not to take NSAIDs, because they caused unhealthy circulatory problems for the developing baby. But, what about the mothers who took NSAIDs during the first trimester before they realized they were pregnant? A study published in the journal, "Birth Defects Research Part B" found that the use of NSAIDs during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause congenital birth defects -- heart defects were the most common. The researchers looked at 36,000 pregnant women, and determined which women had taken NSAIDs during their first trimester and which had babies diagnosed with a congenital abnormality in the first year of life. They found that women who had taken these medications were more likely to have had a baby with a congenital abnormality.2
In April 2004, the FDA concluded that the entire NSAID class posed a potential increased cardiovascular and cerebral risk and ordered manufacturers to significantly strengthen the warning labels on those drugs. The prescription versions of these medications will come with the strongest warning that the FDA can request, while other warnings will be attached to the nonprescription versions, advising patients to take them only for short periods of time."
I have purposely referenced "Consumer Reports" and the FDA, because these two distinctive organizations (one private, one public) both provide similar warnings to us. Of course, millions of people take popular over-the-counter NSAIDs (and prescription drugs) each day without feeling immediate side effects. My intent is not to completely denigrate NSAIDs. I recognize that they bring temporary relief to millions. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to raise your level of awareness. Why risk damaging your health if there is an effective option that has no known side effects?
The natural ingredients in our natural pain reliever work together synergistically to relieve the inflammation that is creating the extreme discomfort in your body. My motive for writing this article is simply to help you make a wise decision for your health. Nothing motivates us like pain, but we shouldn't use that as an excuse to sacrifice our long-term health...especially when we have a simple, effective, and healthy alternative like this.
1. http://www.consumerports.org/mg/drug-reports/ibuprofen.htm
2. Ofori B. Oraichi D., Blais L. Rey E., Berard A., "Birth Defects Research Part B", August 2006, Risk of congential anolmalies in pregnant users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a nested case-control study, pp 268-279.
3. Spotswood S., www.usmedicine.com/article.cfm?articleID=1073&issueID=74, "FDA Issues Decision Critical of NSAIDs", May 2005.
Dr. Hymer earned his medical degree from the University of Texas at Galveston. Before retiring from private practice, his medical career included serving as Chief of Staff at two hospitals as well as operating his own clinic.