A recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that heart failure patients consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at an increased risk for NSAIDs side effects and dangers. The article, from January 26, reported that, "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are harmful to heart-failure patients."

The study reported that individuals who received the medications were subject to "dose-related increases in risk of death and re-hospitalization for heart failure.?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NSAIDs are drugs that are used "to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heart (inflammation) from medical conditions such as different types of arthritis, menstrual cramps and other types of short-term pains.? However, the NSAIDs have recently been associated with an increased risk of developing a heart attack/heart failure or stroke among patients who:

* use NSAID medications for longer periods of time

* people with heart disease

* those who have or will undergo a coronary artery bypass graft

Although these drugs are considered to have dangerous side effects, the study notes that their use is still widespread among a heart-diseased population, which could potentially lead to increased risks of heart failure among patients eventually causing death or coma.

Heart Failure Causes

In addition to the use of NSAIDs, there are several other causes of heart failure among many Americans which are enhanced by the consumption of NSAIDs, including the following, which were reported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* coronary artery disease

* high blood pressure

* diabetes

* heart muscle diseases

* heart valve disorders

* arrhythmias, also irregular heartbeats

* congenital heart defects

* treatments for cancer, radiation and chemotherapy

* thyroid disorders

* alcohol abuse

* HIV/AIDS

* cocaine and other illegal drugs

* consumption of too much vitamin E

NSAIDs Uses

As the study noted, the popularity of NSAIDs continues to grow and many individuals use some form of NSAIDs on a daily or weekly basis for the following conditions:

* acute gout

* menstrual pain

* renal colic

* fever

* tissue injury pain

* rheumatoid arthritis

* osteoarthritis

* Reiter's syndrome and other inflammatory arthropathies

* metastatic bone pain

* headache and migraine

* post-operative pain

Many NSAIDs are overlooked for their severe side effects, which cannot only cause heart failure, but can also cause the following side effects, according to the online medical resource for doctors, MedicineNet:

* upset stomach

* nausea

* vomiting

* heartburn

* headache

* diarrhea

* constipation

* drowsiness

* unusual fatigue

* stomach pain

* swelling of feet or ankles

* ringing in ears

* vision changes

* joint pain

* muscle pain and weakness

* easy bruising, bleeding

* persistent sore throat

* fever

Additionally, MedicineNet reports that the following NSAID side effects must be reported immediately to a medical professional as they often signal a much more serious condition or allergic reaction.

* changes in urine color

* yellowing of eyes/skin

* black stools

* persistent stomach and abdominal pain

* coffee ground appearing vomit

* rash

* itching

* swelling

* dizziness

* difficulty breathing

Prescription Drug Dangers

There are several NSAIDs currently available on the market that are accompanied by severe side effects, one of which is Celebrex. First introduced in 1998 from Pfizer, Celebrex, also known as celecoxib, is an NSAIDs prescription anti-inflammatory. It is part of the COX-2 NSAIDs and is popular among arthritis patients.

However, in late 2004, the drug came under scrutiny as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) learned of additional Celebrex side effects, which might be damaging to patients. The FDA required the drug's makers to increase the drug's warning labels to include the newly discovered side effects. Many have insisted the drug be recalled believing that increased warning labels are not a sufficient method of avoiding damage to patients.

An additional NSAID, which was recently removed from shelves because of risks including heart attack, stroke and Steven's Johnson Syndrome (SJS), is known as Bextra from Pfizer. The syndrome, SJS, has a range of side effects including the development of skin rashes ranging up to blindness, depending on the severity of the condition.

If an individual has previously or currently suffers from any of the Bextra side effects they may be eligible for the creation of a Bextra class action lawsuit, which could result in being awarded monetary compensation for damages endured by a victim.

It is imperative that an individual suffering from an NSAIDs side effect contact a pharmaceutical lawyer to learn more about a potential class action lawsuit. Frequently, a law firm specializing in pharmaceuticals will provide a free legal consultation to victims of the NSAIDs side effects including those who have consumed Celebrex or Bextra.