Painkillers are widely used to manage both acute and chronic pain, providing much-needed relief for many people.
However, recent research has highlighted potential health risks associated with some common painkillers, particularly concerning heart and kidney health, the immune system, sleep disorders, and even obesity.
Here’s an overview of some important findings from recent studies that shed light on these risks.
One study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham focused on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a class of painkillers commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation.
The researchers found that NSAIDs might increase the risk of heart and kidney failure. In their study, they treated animals with heart disease using the NSAID drug carprofen and discovered that this treatment alone could trigger low-grade inflammation in both the heart and kidneys.
This inflammation was further exacerbated when combined with a heart attack, suggesting that NSAIDs could have serious implications for individuals with existing heart conditions.
The study was published in Life Sciences and underscores the potential dangers of using NSAIDs in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Another study, conducted in Denmark, investigated the risks associated with another NSAID, diclofenac.
Researchers examined data from over 6.3 million adults and found that starting diclofenac was linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes within 30 days compared to other traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, and even compared to starting paracetamol (acetaminophen).
The study, published in The BMJ, revealed that patients using diclofenac experienced more incidents of irregular heartbeat, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and heart attack.
This large-scale study highlights the cardiovascular risks that may accompany the use of certain NSAIDs, suggesting that alternative pain management strategies might be safer for some patients.
In addition to heart and kidney risks, a study from Newcastle University in the UK found that painkillers could also be linked to obesity and sleep deprivation.
The researchers analyzed data from more than 133,000 participants in the UK Biobank and discovered that commonly prescribed painkillers, such as gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) and opiates, could double the risk of obesity and were associated with poor sleep quality.
These drugs, often prescribed for chronic pain, can act as sedatives, reducing patients’ activity levels and altering taste perception, which may lead to cravings for sugary foods.
This study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that while these drugs can be effective in managing pain, they should be prescribed with caution and ideally for shorter periods to minimize these additional health risks.
These studies collectively emphasize the need for careful consideration when prescribing painkillers, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions.
While painkillers play a crucial role in managing pain, their potential side effects, especially concerning heart, kidney, and metabolic health, cannot be ignored.
Patients and healthcare providers should weigh the benefits and risks of these medications and explore alternative pain management strategies where possible. In cases where painkillers are necessary, monitoring and limiting their use might help reduce the likelihood of serious health complications.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and scientists find how COVID-19 damages the heart.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about Aspirin linked to higher risk of heart failure, and results showing Blackcurrants could improve artery functions, blood pressure in older people.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
