Safety of pain killers

Following concerns about the safety of pain killers including ibuprofen and diclofenac, the European Medicines Agency is to look once more into the safety of NSAIDs. Arthritis drug Vioxx was withdrawn in 2004 after it was proven to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The European Medicines Agency has said that it will investigate the safety of NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The safety of painkillers, NSAIDs and COX-2s, including Vioxx and Celebrex was first brought into question in 2004.
Arthritis drug Vioxx was withdrawn in October 2004 after it was proven to have an associated risk of heart attack and stroke.

COX-2 and NSAIDs both double the risk of heart attack.
NSAIDs and COX-2s increase the risk of any vascular event - heart attack, stroke, or vascular disease by 40%.

Studies question safety of pain killers

In June 2006, studies showed that ibuprofen and diclofenac could also double the risk of patients suffering a heart attack when taken in high doses.
In October 2005, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), recommended a number of changes in the way healthcare professionals prescribe non-selective NSAIDs to ensure consistency across the EU.

The CHMP this week began reviewing all the data and will give a scientific opinion on the safety of non-selective painkillers and NSAIDs in October 2006.

If you or someone you know has been negatively effected by painkillers or drugs, our solicitors can help. Visit our drug liability section.