Health bosses warn of cardiovascular risks with high Ibuprofen doses
Thursday, April 16, 2015 @ 10:15 AM
HEALTH authorities in Spain have warned of the risks of heart problems and strokes caused by taking too much Ibuprofen, but assure that 'moderate doses' of the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory are 'safe'.
According to the Spanish Agency for Medication and Healthcare Products (AEMPS), part of the national government's ministry of health, doctors have now been recommended not to prescribe doses of 2.4 grams (approximately four tablets) a day of pure Ibuprofen, or 1.2 grams of Dexibuprofen per day to patients who have serious cardiovascular conditions, ischaemic cardiopathy, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease or have suffered or are at risk of a stroke or brain haemorrhage.
As is the case with all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, doctors should recommend the lowest dose possible for pain control over the shortest time period.
Taking 1.2 grams – normally two tablets – of Ibuprofen per day as an anti-inflammatory, pain-killer or anti-thermic medication 'is not normally associated with higher cardiovascular risks', AEMPS says.
But doses of 2.4 grams, typically four tablets – if these are 600mg pills, or three if they are 800mg – are not typical and would need to be prescribed.
Only around 2% of the population needs to take this much, AEMPS says.
In nine in 10 households in Spain, consumption of Ibuprofen is within safe limits – 21.51 defined daily doses (DDD) of 1.2 grams each per 1,000 inhabitants, according to health minister Alfonso Alonso.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com