Since the most common side-effect of NSAIDs is stomach ulcers, misoprostol, a gastric cytoprotective is concomitantly prescribed. A new research suggests that people who took the gastric cytoprotective drug along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) significantly lowers risk of cardiovascular events, stroke and kidney failure as compared to those who takes NSAIDs alone.
According to Medical Xpress, NSAIDs have been linked with cardio-renal complications which are rare but life-threatening. These complications include heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke and acute kidney failure. Misoprostol therefore does not only reduce gastric ulcers brought about by NSAIDs but also reduces cardio-renal complications.
The study was pioneered by Mark Munger, PharmD a professor of pharmacotherapy at the University Of Utah College Of Pharmacy. Munger stated that currently, clinicians have no direct treatment to reduce the risk of NSAID-induced cardio-renal complications other than decreasing frequent use, duration of use, and recommendation of alternative drugs. The recent findings regarding misoprostol can advance in treating the complications brought by NSAIDs.
Meanwhile, as reported by WebMD, NSAIDs includes pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and celecoxib. Misoprostol on the other hand, protects stomach lining by lowering the amount of acid that may cause ulceration in the gastric area. This known medication is also used in combination with mifepristone to end pregnancy (abortion).
The researchers have analyzed the records of more than 1.6 million people in the United States Veterans Affairs health system that used NSAIDs and, or misoprostol between 2005 and 2013. The study was able to match 1,875 people who took NSAIDs alone with 1,875 people who took NSAIDs plus misoprostol. The team was able to compare health outcomes in the two matched groups based on their health records over a five-year period.
People taking misoprostol together with NSAIDs lowers the risk of having heart attack, cardiac arrest, or ventricular fibrillation in 44 percent. Furthermore, both drugs also lower the risk of strokes or mini-stroke in 25 percent while 34 percent reduced risk of acute kidney failure.
