The negative evidence continues to mount against taking painkiller drugs. In a study that raised questions about long-term use of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve, researchers came across an unexpected result: Although these drugs did cut the development of oral cancer by half, those positive results were superceded by an increased risk of dying from heart disease.

These findings only add fuel to the fire that heart risks extend beyond prescription medications like Bextra, Vioxx and Celebrex to the broader family of painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- save acetaminophen or Tylenol, this includes brands of ibuprofen and nearly all other OTC pain pills.

Smokin' Discovery

The Food and Drug Administration has recently made the decision to warn against the long-term use of all painkiller drugs; this study involving smokers is the first evidence to support that warning. (Doctors wanted to find out whether NSAIDS could prevent oral cancer because previous work suggested they helped fend off other types of cancer.)

Surveying some 900 patients who were smokers and more prone to cancer and heart problems, researchers discovered that those who took OTC painkillers for a minimum of six months doubled their chances of dying from:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Other heart-related problems

The risk, however, was highest among ibuprofen users, who were nearly three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than non-NSAID users.

Seattle Post Intelligencer April 18, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

There are a number of misconceptions floating around these days in regard to the use and safety of over-the-counter medications (OTCs). One of the more important ones is that OTCs are safer than their prescription-only counterparts. OTCs are actually very capable of posing the same threat to your health that prescription medications do, and the results of this recent study certainly speak volumes in support of this notion. With millions of people buying and using drugs like Advil, Motrin and Aleve everyday, who knows how many of the cardiovascular problems running rampant in our country could be prevented? What's even more concerning is that important results like these can still go "unnoticed" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With all the recent failures at the FDA, this study can also serve as a reminder that trusting their last word may be a risky proposition indeed. It's important to remember that OTC medications are rarely needed to treat your aches and pains. Following the Total Health Program, and being especially sure to optimize your intake of omega-3 fats along with reducing omega-6 fats, can radically reduce your reliance on anti-inflammatory medications. Also, while your body recovers its natural state of balance, where harmful inflammation is minimized, you can also get some symptomatic relief from a number of different natural remedies that not only treat inflammation, but protect your heart at the same time. Related Articles: Seven Common Misconceptions About Tylenol and Other OTC Drugs Do You Use Aspirin or Tylenol Regularly? Beware as They Are Linked to Kidney Failure Advil and Aleve May Make Blood Pressure Rise