Everyone gets headaches due to stress, pain or a variety of other reasons. The simple solution is to take a couple of Tylenol or ibuprofen and go on with your day. The drugs that have non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the Active ingredient section on the package are on over the counter pain relief drugs and prescription arthritis and other pain treatments. These medicines treat present pain, but they could have side effects for future pain…

Side Effects

There are side effects to pain relief drugs if they are not used as recommended. The two main side effects are increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The effects can occur within the first three weeks of being consumed. The longer and more frequent people are taking the pills the higher the chance for side effects

What’s New?

If you have read the labels of your over the counter and prescription pain medicine, you may have noticed that they already have information on the risks of heart attack and strokes. Within a couple of months the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) will require manufacturers to update the labels.

Updates

• Add more specific information on the risks of heart attack and stroke
• A label for people who have already had a heart attack and stroke

What Should You Do?

People who have already had a stroke or heart attack are at higher risk when they take anti-inflammatory drugs. Those who don’t have cardiovascular disease will still be at risk when taking pain medicine if they are not consumed in the recommended way. Karen M. Mahoney, M.D., deputy director of FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Drug Products says, “Be careful not to take more than one product that contains an NSAID at a time,”

“As always, consumers must carefully read the Drug Facts label for all nonprescription drugs. Consumers should carefully consider whether the drug is right for them, and use the medicine only as directed. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible,” Mahoney says.

It is okay to take them for pain, cramps, headaches but not frequently where it becomes a daily habit. If you are taking other medication, it is best to read the Drug Facts label and talk to your doctor to help you find a balance between medicines.