Doctors advise care with painkillers

Nov 14, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Munich - If you are experiencing back pain or a sore joints it's best not to immediately resort to taking painkillers.

Norbert Smetak from Germany's Association of Cardiologists says relaxation or exercise is a better way to deal with the pain. Elderly people in particular should take low doses of painkillers and for as short a period of time as possible.

Regular intake of painkillers classed as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) can lead to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

A team of Swiss researchers conducted meta-analysis of several studies of more than 116,000 patients on the side effects of NSAIDs. Among the drugs covered in the studies were those frequently taken by elderly people, to combat back and joint pain, such as Diclofenec and Ibuprofen.

Smetak says the study revealed that all of the examined drugs were linked with increased risk of cardiac arrest and stroke. Senior citizens are already susceptible to circulation problems because of their age, and taking NSAIDs only adds to that.

Taking alternative painkillers such as Paracetamol can also lead to undesired effects, according to Smetak, including liver damage. Smetak advises anyone who needs to regularly take a painkiller to be very careful with NSAIDs, especially those that are available without a prescription.