Painkillers are commonly used to treat everything from short-term aches to long-term chronic pain. For many people, these medications provide relief that helps them get through daily life. However, new research suggests that some popular painkillers may come with serious health risks, especially when used over a long period or by people with existing health problems.
One group of medications under scrutiny is known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These include well-known drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and others. A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham examined the effects of one NSAID drug, carprofen, in animals with heart disease.
The researchers found that the drug triggered low-level inflammation in both the heart and kidneys. This inflammation got worse when the animals experienced a heart attack, suggesting that NSAIDs may not be safe for people with heart problems.
The findings, published in Life Sciences, raise concerns that using these painkillers could worsen heart or kidney conditions in humans as well.
Another large study from Denmark looked at diclofenac, another commonly used NSAID. Researchers followed over 6 million adults and discovered that starting treatment with diclofenac led to a higher chance of serious heart problems—including heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats—within just 30 days.
This risk was greater than for people using other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, and even greater than those using paracetamol (acetaminophen). The study was published in The BMJ and suggests that patients and doctors should be cautious about using diclofenac, especially if there are any concerns about heart health.
Concerns about painkillers don’t stop with NSAIDs. Another study from Newcastle University in the UK looked at the effects of other commonly prescribed drugs for chronic pain, including gabapentinoids (like gabapentin and pregabalin) and opioids. These drugs are known to help with nerve-related pain and more severe forms of chronic pain.
However, researchers found that people using these medications were more likely to become obese and had poor sleep quality. The data came from over 133,000 people in the UK Biobank project. According to the study, which appeared in PLOS ONE, these drugs can act like sedatives, making people less active.
They may also affect taste and appetite, leading to increased cravings for sugary foods, which can contribute to weight gain.
Together, these studies suggest that while painkillers can be helpful, they are not without risks. Heart problems, kidney issues, obesity, and poor sleep are just some of the possible side effects linked to regular use of these medications. These side effects may be especially harmful for people who already have certain health problems, like heart disease or diabetes.
Doctors and patients should carefully consider when and how to use painkillers. In some cases, using them for a short time may be fine.
But for long-term pain, it may be better to look at other options, like physical therapy, mindfulness, or alternative medicines that carry fewer risks. If painkillers are necessary, it’s important to use the lowest effective dose and keep regular checkups to watch for any side effects.
In the end, these studies remind us that pain relief shouldn’t come at the cost of our long-term health. Taking the time to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment can lead to safer and more balanced choices for managing pain.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
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