MEDIA STATEMENT
27th February 2007


IIF URGES CLARITY ON HYPERTENSION STUDY

Following the publication of an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine on a new study investigating the risk of hypertension amongst men; the International Ibuprofen Foundation (IIF) believes there is a need for some clarification:-

• The study in question examined the long-term risk of hypertension with use of several different pain relievers available over-the-counter* (OTC), including paracetamol, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• A large body of clinical evidence available to date shows that ibuprofen used short-term, at low doses has not been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.1,2,3

A recent review exploring the blood pressure effects of three analgesics: non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), paracetamol and aspirin showed that in normotensive, otherwise healthy adults, short-term use (1–2 weeks) of NSAIDs is not associated with a significant increase in blood pressure.4 Additionally, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) recently reviewed the cardiovascular safety of high dose non-selective NSAIDs in October 2006, and found that the benefit-risk balance for non-selective NSAIDs remains favourable.

Clinical data have shown that OTC ibuprofen provides the ideal combination of efficacy and tolerability compared to other analgesics for the vast majority of people, when taken as directed on the patient leaflet.. A doctor, nurse prescriber or pharmacist should be consulted if in any doubt.

The IIF states that there is no clinical evidence to suggest that consumers need to be concerned about their safety in relation to an increased risk of hypertension when taking non-prescription ibuprofen products, according to the directions on the pack:

“Ibuprofen used in the short-term at the low dose, available OTC has a long history of use as a safe and effective medicine. OTC ibuprofen, is used by millions of people around the world everyday and has a good safety profile when taken intermittently at low dose.


“The general public should remain reassured when purchasing ibuprofen in the OTC setting for approved indications and have no concerns about its safety.”

* The OTC dose of ibuprofen is a maximum of 1,200mg per day for up to 10 days


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References:
1. Patel NT, Goldberg KC. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:852-856
2. Kurth T, et al. Circulation 2003;108 :1191-1195
3. Garcia Rodriguez LA et al. BMC Medicine, 2005 Volume 3 p17.
4. Poulter NR, Wilson SL . Journal of Hypertension 2006, 24:1457 - 1469





 

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