Arthritis drugs may contribute to stroke death says new study

Commonly prescribed, older drugs for arthritis and pain may increase the risk of death from stroke, according to a study published in Neurology.
COX-2 inhibitors are selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that include older drugs diclofenac, etodolac, nabumeton and meloxicam, as well as newer drugs called coxibs, including celecoxib and rofecoxib. The study also looked at non-selective NSAIDs, which include common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
The research team looked at 100,243 people hospitalised for a first stroke in Denmark between 2004 and 2012 and deaths within one month after the stroke.
Overall, people who were current users of COX-2 inhibitors were 19% more likely to die after stroke than people who did not take the drugs. New users of the older COX-2 drugs were 42% more likely to die from stroke than those who were not taking the drugs. Those taking etodolac were 53% more likely to die from stroke.
No link was found between the non-selective NSAIDs and increased stroke death. And the study found no link between chronic use of any of the drugs and stroke mortality.
A total of 10,835 of the participants (11%) were NSAID users; 8,402 (8%) were former users; and 80,806 (81%) were non-users. Of the current NSAID users 51% used ibuprofen, 27% used diclofenac, 11% used etodolac, 3% naproxen, 1% celecoxib and 0.5% percent rofecoxib.
“While newer versions of these COX-2 inhibitors drugs have been pulled off shelves, older ones are still frequently prescribed,” explains study author Dr Morten Schmidt. “Our study provides further important evidence solidifying the risks of certain arthritic pain relievers and death from stroke.
“Our study supports stepping up efforts to make sure people with a higher risk of stroke are not prescribed these medications when other options are available.”

Image credit: fdecomite

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