September 13, 2006: Diclofenac Linked to Cardiovascular Risks
The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that diclofenac poses the same risks for heart attack or stroke as those associated with Vioxx, and advises that diclofenac should not be used by patients with heart disease or high blood pressure. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found any findings on diclofenac conclusive, it has called for further review. In April 2005, the FDA announced that all prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- including diclofenac --should carry a 'black box' warning about the cardiovascular risk. Click here for important NSAID safety information from the FDA.