The warning was issued yesterday by scientists during a conference in Barcelona on cardiovascular disease.
Delegates were told new research has revealed that ibuprofen – one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world – increased blood pressure more than other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The over-the-counter tablet is often the choice for millions in the UK who suffer from the agony of arthritic pain every day.
Researchers at the University Heart Centre in Zurich studied a number of pain relief drugs, which included ibuprofen, naproxen and celecoxib and found a pronounced risk of increased blood pressure in the ibuprofen users, adding to the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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The study clearly demonstrates that NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, may be not as safe as previously thought
Investigator Frank Ruschitzka, professor of cardiology and head of the department at the centre in Switzerland, warned: “The study clearly demonstrates that NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, may be not as safe as previously thought.”
“Patients receiving ibuprofen had a 61 per cent higher incidence of de novo hypertension [high blood pressure] compared to those receiving celecoxib.”
Researchers had found that celecoxib produced a “slight decrease” in blood pressure while naproxen caused a “relatively small increase”.
They warned the findings would have the greatest clinical significance for the elderly, who have a high prevalence of arthritis and hypertension.
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Arthritis sufferers who take ibuprofen are at greater risk
Prof Ruschitzka advised: “Patients with osteoarthritis and arthritis should continue to consult their doctor before taking NSAIDs and clinicians need to weigh the potential hazards of worsening blood pressure control when considering the use of these agents.”
He said that since decreasing blood pressure by a small amount could lower both stroke and heart mortality by 10 per cent and seven per cent respectively, the findings were particularly significant.
In the UK, 10 million people suffer from arthritis with 8.5 million of these with the most common form, osteoarthritis, caused when the cartilage that cushions movement in the joints is worn away.
Currently around 400,000 people in Britain suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints.
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Currently around 400,000 people in Britain suffer from rheumatoid arthritis
The often crippling condition, which has no cure, causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.
It is typically diagnosed in people aged 40 to 70 and affects three times as many women as men.
Arthritis Research UK confirmed ibuprofen was taken by many sufferers but warned them of the dangers.
A spokesman said: “Longterm use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can increase the risk of problems with your heart or circulation, especially if you have other risk factors for these conditions.
Therefore you shouldn’t take ibuprofen for long-term pain relief without seeing your doctor first and you shouldn’t take ibuprofen if you’re also being prescribed another type of NSAID tablet.”
Experts in heart disease, which remains Britain’s biggest killer and claims the lives of 155,000 people a year, also welcomed the new study.
Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said last night: “Patients and doctors must weigh up the risks and benefits of NSAIDs, particularly if you have another long-term health condition such as arthritis.
“Although not all of these drugs raise your blood pressure significantly, it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor about the best treatment for you.
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You shouldn’t take ibuprofen for long-term pain relief without seeing a doctor first
“Whether you are being prescribed painkillers like ibuprofen, or buying them over the counter, it’s important to be aware of the risks and you should always talk to your GP or specialist before you start taking any new medication.”
NSAID labels include warnings about potential increases in blood pressure but there is little data on the effects of individual drugs.
Researchers found that achieving blood pressure control in patients with arthritis could avoid thousands of deaths from stroke and coronary heart disease each year.
The findings were yesterday presented to the European Society of Cardiology conference in Barcelona.