An NHS physician has raised concerns about common medications taken by millions daily, cautioning that they could lead to potentially fatal stomach ulcers.
Dr. Mark Porter drew attention to anti-inflammatory drugs and specifically highlighted popular pills like ibuprofen that can cause ‘life-threatening’ stomach ulcers, outlining early signs to be vigilant for.
Furthermore, routinely used options such as ibuprofen may elevate blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and contribute to kidney problems.
In his column in The Times, Dr. Porter revealed that ‘tens of thousands’ of people are hospitalized each year, with one in ten facing fatal outcomes.
Approximately one in ten individuals will develop a stomach or duodenal ulcer at some point, with most recovering fully, but some, like Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright, may not even make it to the hospital.
Dr. Porter warned that complications from these ulcers, such as bleeding and perforation, can be life-threatening, hospitalizing tens of thousands annually, with a significant number not surviving.
He explained that the primary cause of the condition is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group that includes aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen, commonly used to manage conditions like arthritis and back pain.
He emphasized that individuals using NSAIDs may experience indigestion and heartburn, with higher dosages and prolonged use increasing the likelihood of ulcers or bleeding.
Dr. Porter advised that taking acid-suppressing medications alongside NSAIDs can help prevent these complications.
He also recommended opting for paracetamol over ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief due to its safety profile, especially if already on a prescribed NSAID.
Additionally, he urged individuals to be cautious of potentially risky medication combinations, particularly with anticoagulants, emphasizing the importance of minimizing NSAID dosage and duration.
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