Stroke History: Is Aleve Safe For Consumption?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of analgesics widely available both in prescription form and over the counter. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). According to the FDA, NSAIDs increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. The FDA now requires drug labels for all prescription NSAIDs to warn people of this risk. Studies have shown that long-term, high-dose NSAID use is linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death from cardiovascular disease. However, the risk of NSAIDs causing a stroke is still debatable.

Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

It is important to note that Aleve may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use, high doses, or in people with heart disease. This risk may also be higher in patients with or without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Aleve if you have a history of stroke or other health conditions.

NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart problems

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a commonly used medication for treating pain and inflammation. They work by blocking the prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. However, they also play a role in protecting the stomach lining from its own digestive fluids.

In recent years, evidence has emerged indicating that NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems. This includes both the traditional NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Celebrex).

Since 2001, several studies have linked long-term, high-dose NSAID use to a greater risk of heart problems. The risk of heart attack or stroke can occur as early as the first few weeks of using an NSAID and may increase with longer use. The risk also appears greater at higher doses. The risk applies to patients with or without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.

The type of NSAID and the dose matter. Studies suggest that naproxen (Aleve) is less likely than other NSAIDs to harm the heart. However, it has been linked to GI bleeding and ulcers more than some other NSAIDs. Lower doses of naproxen may not be safer than other NSAIDs. Celecoxib appears to be relatively safe at a dose of 100 mg.

For most people without cardiovascular disease taking NSAIDs for short periods, the increased risk is minimal. However, for patients with heart disease or who require long-term treatment with high doses of NSAIDs, the risk is more of a concern.

The FDA requires drug labels for all prescription NSAIDs to warn people of the risk of stroke

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medicines available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). They are some of the most commonly used pain medicines, with around 30 million people using them daily worldwide. NSAIDs are used to treat pain and fever from medical conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, colds, and the flu. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib.

NSAIDs have been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, which can lead to death. In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about this risk, and in 2015, the FDA further strengthened this warning based on the advice of an expert panel that reviewed additional information about NSAIDs and their risks. As a result, the FDA now requires drug labels for all prescription NSAIDs to warn people of the risk of stroke and heart attack. The warning states:

• The risk of heart attack or stroke can occur as early as the first weeks of using an NSAID and may increase with longer use.
• The risk appears greater at higher doses.
• NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with or without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.
• Patients treated with NSAIDs following a first heart attack were more likely to die in the first year after the heart attack compared to patients who were not treated with NSAIDs.
• There is an increased risk of heart failure with NSAID use.

It is important for patients and healthcare professionals to be aware of these risks and to take steps to limit them. Patients taking NSAIDs should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of their body, or slurred speech.

Naproxen (Aleve) is less likely than other NSAIDs to harm the heart

The balance of evidence suggests that cardiovascular risk correlates with cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selectivity, and the low COX-2 selectivity of naproxen results in a lower cardiovascular risk than that of other NSAIDs. Naproxen has low COX-2 selectivity, demonstrating greater selectivity for COX-1 inhibition. This makes naproxen a good choice for patients with high cardiovascular risk.

At prescription doses, naproxen has been associated with the highest increase in blood pressure among non-selective NSAIDs. However, short-term exposure to low doses of naproxen has not been shown to affect blood pressure or interfere with antihypertensive drugs.

Naproxen has also been shown to inhibit thromboxane production and platelet aggregation, which may contribute to its better safety profile. Additionally, naproxen does not substantially increase systolic blood pressure, which may also play a role in its lower cardiovascular risk.

While naproxen is generally considered safer than other NSAIDs in terms of cardiovascular risk, it is important to note that it may still carry a small risk. The risk of cardiovascular events associated with naproxen use is dose-dependent, with higher doses potentially increasing the risk. Therefore, it is crucial to use naproxen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, as recommended for all NSAIDs.

It is also worth noting that naproxen may interact with low-dose aspirin, which is commonly used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This interaction can interfere with the antiplatelet effect of aspirin, potentially reducing its cardioprotective benefits. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking naproxen if you are also taking low-dose aspirin.

People with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes already face higher odds of developing heart problems

People with a history of stroke should be cautious about taking Aleve (naproxen), an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), as it can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The FDA now requires drug labels for all prescription NSAIDs to warn people of this risk. The risk of heart attack or stroke may increase with longer use and higher doses of NSAIDs.

People with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and diabetes already face higher odds of developing heart problems. Obesity is linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, with fat cells releasing inflammatory proteins that are believed to play a role in the disease's inflammatory process. Obese individuals with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have more pain and disability, as well as a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The same inflammatory proteins that attack joints in rheumatoid arthritis can cause insulin resistance, leading to diabetes, and accelerate the formation of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Rheumatoid arthritis itself is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obesity may further accelerate atherosclerosis in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, obesity can negatively impact the effectiveness of certain rheumatoid arthritis medications, particularly anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis to manage their disease and reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications.

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