NON-STEROIDAL anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to be associated with up to a 50% increased risk of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
The case-time-control study out of Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, investigated the records of 28,947 people with OHCA, 3,376 of whom were treated with an NSAID up to 30 days prior.
The Australian Self-Medication Industry (ASMI) acknowledged the study, with spokesman Steve Scarff saying, "it is important to note that the study was conducted in patients with an average age of 70 years who were prescribed NSAIDs, usually at higher doses and for longer duration than are recommended and available for OTC use.
"These elderly patients had pre-existing health conditions and were on other medications, some of which could have increased their risk factors," he said.
Scarff said consumers should note label warnings on NSAIDs and seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor if they have certain existing health problems, require longer term treatment or if they are taking other medicines.
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