People taking pain drugs, especially high doses, for more than a few weeks to treat osteoarthritis or other chronic pain should be regularly reassessed by their physician for stroke risk.

Many experts initially expected that COX-2s, which target only the enzyme that stimulates inflammation, would not cause the same problems as traditional NSAIDs. Unexpectedly, the drugs were linked to serious cardiovascular problems. Two COX-2 inhibitors—rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra)—were voluntarily withdrawn from the market because of heart attack risks. Evidence on a third COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib (Celebrex), suggests that it does reduce the risk of bleeding and other ulcer complications in patients using the drug for less than six months, but it is not clear if it is safer than other NSAIDs when used for longer periods of time.

As a result, there have been numerous recalls of prescription drugs in recent years. And there have been other prescription drugs which have had problematic safety records. Here are some of the prescription drugs shown to increase stroke risk in patients:

Fen-Phen: Fen-phen is a combination of fenfluromine and phentermine. Fen-Phen had been approved for many years as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity. The trouble with this drug combo is that it has been found to cause heart valve disease.

Celebrex: A Cox-2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and later approved as a drug treatment aimed at reducing the number of intestinal polyps in patients who have familial adenotamous polyposis. Now there are concerns that Celebrex usage may increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks in some people who take it.

Vioxx: A treatment for osteoarthritis, menstrual pain and management of acute pain in adults. As with Celebrex, there are concerns that the use of Vioxx might increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Bextra: Valdecoxib is a popular prescription painkiller. A Bextra stroke is just one of the many serious and potentially deadly side effects that prompted the FDA to request a recall of this drug.

Meridia: Diet pills which have been known to cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects. Meridia can cause PPH (primary pulmonary hypertension) as well as cardiac valve dysfunction.

Prempro: A hormone replacement therapy. Studies have shown that usage of Prempro increases a healthy woman's risk of heart attack by 29 percent, breast cancer by 24 percent, stroke by 41 percent and blood clots by 200 percent.

PPA: Phenylpropanolamine is an ingredient in over the counter cough and cold medicines (In the past it has been an ingredient in such products as Robitussin and Alka-Seltzer). Usage of PPA can result in hemorrhagic stroke in some patients who use it.

Zyprexa: The brand name for Olanzapine, a thienobenzodiazepine. It is considered an “atypical” antipsychotic medication used to treat Schizophrenia and Bipolar Mania. Elderly patients with dementia face an increased risk of stroke with Zyprexa treatment.

If you or someone that you know and love has been victimized by using these or any other prescription drugs, consult with a qualified personal injury attorney at Brown & Crouppen immediately. We represent a large number of clients in lawsuits involving defective drugs and medical devices, including persons injured by COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs.

Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call Brown & Crouppen at Toll Free: 866-991-4700 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.