The paper builds on a previous body of work linking these drugs to heart problems. This research suggests the risk could be greatest in the first 30 days of taking the drugs. But scientists say the findings are not clear. They say other factors – not just the pills – could be involved. The study analysed data from 446,763 people to try to understand when heart problems might arise.
They focused on people prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib and naproxen) by doctors rather than those who bought the painkillers over the counter.
Studying the data from Canada, Finland and the UK, researchers suggest taking these Nsaid painkillers to treat pain and inflammation could raise the risk of heart attacks even in the first week of use.
And the risk was seen especially in the first month when people were taking high doses (for example more than 1200mg of ibuprofen a day) .
But scientists say there are a number of factors that make it difficult to be absolutely certain of the link.