The FDA will clamp down on the labeling of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in the coming months.
According to its website, the FDA will require manufacturers of prescription NSAIDs and of over the counter NSAIDs to update their labels with more specific information about heart attack and stroke risks.
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In 2005, the FDA added a box on prescription drug label to warn people of these risks. With the new FDA guidelines, these labels will now have further information on how non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Karen Mahoney, the deputy director of FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Drug Products, urged people not to take more than one product that contains an NSAID at a time.
Prescription NSAIDs are usually used to relieve symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and other and painful conditions. Over the counter NSAIDs are used to treat minor aches and pains such as headaches, tendonitis, strains, sprains and menstrual cramps.
Common over the counter NSAIDs include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Although aspirin is also an NSAID, this revised warning doesn’t apply to aspirin.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
