A recent analysis of data from more than a million users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) underscores the importance of careful selection and use of the medications, because they can vary widely in the risks they pose to patients.

In the cohort study out of Denmark, the use of diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren) was associated with a 91 percent increase in the relative risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke in healthy adults. The risks were greater in higher doses, according to the research, published online June 8 in the journal Circulation, Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Researchers, who noted that diclofenac has a "high COX-2 inhibiting selectivity," making it similar to…

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