The truth about PAINKILLERS

While they are readily available, they could be more of a hindrance than a help, according to the experts. We reveal the inside story about pain-relief pills

- NATALIA LUBOMIRSKI

A ching back? Joint pain? Throbbing headache? If your first response is to rummage through the medicine cabinet for a packet of painkillers, you're not alone. One in five Brits take painkillers at least once a week, while one in 11 report taking a painkiller every day". But it seems that these on-hand remedies might be doing us more harm than good.

Could common painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen", really put our health at risk? Scientists at the National Yang-Ming University in Taiwan think so. Their study, which involved more than 56,000 patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), revealed that one in 330 adults who take ibuprofen regularly can expect a heart attack or stroke within four weeks, rising to one in 214 adults who take naproxen. The reason? It's thought that these pain relievers may increase blood pressure further in these already 'at risk' groups.

RISKY REMEDIES

Ibuprofen and naproxen belong to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are available as tablets, capsules, creams, gels, sprays and injections, and are widely used to relieve pain, including headaches, back pain, period spasms, sprains, toothache, and long-term conditions such as arthritis. NSAIDs also reduce inflammation and lower a high temperature.

Despite being easily available - often sold for as little as 3p per tablet in shops - and commonly used to relieve pain for millions of people, they are not suitable for everyone. Taken incorrectly or by vulnerable individuals, they can cause dangerous side effects.

OVER THE LIMIT