Most arthritis victims 'need not worry' about painkiller risks
PATIENTS with severe arthritis have to take some kind of pain relief to go about their daily lives and will be alarmed at recent studies warning of heart risks.
But Professor Colin Baigent, lead researcher, is anxious to stress that most need not worry.
He said: "This is a good news story. We are empowering patients with information about potential risks.
"We have got detail about the effects of these drugs on heart attacks, stroke and the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and we also have information on ulcer bleeding and heart failure.
It's a judgment for each individual person about whether the tiny risks are worth it for them
"People using high doses certainly shouldn't panic.
"We are talking about people in severe pain. It's a judgment for each individual person about whether the tiny risks are worth it for them for the extra quality of life that they get."