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An Anonymous Coward writes:

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a new ruling on a category of drugs known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), strengthening the label warnings that taking the medications increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. NSAIDs include both prescription drugs and popular over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen (sold under brand names including Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (brands include Aleve). NSAIDs reduce the body's production of prostaglandins, compounds which may play a role in inflammation.

The new warning guidelines stop well short of recommending that mostly-healthy people not to use NSAIDs, partly because the science isn't settled. Some doctors already report that patients are confused by the new advisories.

Aspirin is also an NSAID, but was specifically excluded from the FDA advisory. Acetaminophen, another popular drug for pain relief (e.g. Tylenol), is not an NSAID, but some researchers have cautioned that studies show correlations between heavy acetaminophen use and early mortality and other adverse medical effects.