Painkiller taken by millions could trigger deadly heart failure – are you in the at-risk groups?
Doctors have been urged to exercise caution when prescribing the medicine to certain people.
Pregabalin, which is available on prescription in the UK, was associated with a 48 per cent increased risk of developing heart failure, according to the findings of a major new study.
For those with a history of heart disease, the risk was found to be even greater.
Researchers found in these patients, the risk of heart failure soared to 85 per cent, compared to those prescribed gabapentin - a similar drug taken for nerve pain.
Pregabalin is commonly used to treat nerve pain, as this type of pain is often not relieved by traditional painkillers.
It treats pain by changing the way in which nerves send messages to your brain.
While pregabalin is considered safe to take under medical supervision, like all medicines, it can cause side effects, including headaches, diarrhoea, feeling sick, blurred vision, and memory problems.
In rare cases it can trigger a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Now, researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre are calling for doctors to carefully consider the cardiovascular risks when prescribing it to older or vulnerable patients.
In their new study, they analysed data from 246,237 Medicare patients aged 65 to 89 over a four-year period.
The sleep position that could be a sign of heart failure - plus three other symptoms to look out for
Everyone had chronic non- cancer pain - pain lasting more than 12 weeks or beyond the normal healing time - and none had a previous history of heart failure.
Heart failure is a condition where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
While it can occur at any age, the risk significantly increases with age due to the natural weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle.
During the four-year study period, 1,470 patients were admitted to hospital with heart failure.
The researchers found for every 1,000 people taking pregabalin, there were around six additional cases of heart failure each year, compared to those who didn't take the drug.
After adjusting for potential variables, including age and pre-existing health issues, they concluded patients taking pregabalin are 1.5 times more likely to suffer heart failure.
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The research team, led by Dr Elizabeth Park, concluded their findings support current advice from the European Medicines Agency to exercise caution when prescribing pregabalin to older adults with heart disease.
There isn't a cure for heart failure, but spotting symptoms as early as possible can help manage symptoms before the condition progresses.
Heart failure symptoms can include shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying down, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Other symptoms may include a persistent cough, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and feeling lightheaded or fainting.
Preventing heart failure in the first place is also important.
This includes maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
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