Osteoarthritis: be careful if you take this powerful painkiller: Femme Actuelle Le MAG

A Canadian study, the results of which have just been presented at the annual European Rheumatology Congress, shows that OA patients significantly increase their risk of death during the first year of tramadol treatment. This opioid drug is regularly pointed out. Previous studies have shown that regular consumption of these substances derived from morphine is not very effective against these chronic pains. Tramadol, the best-selling opioid in France, has many side effects: nausea, dizziness, tremors, hallucinations, increased risk of hypoglycemia but also hip fracture … The list goes on. This medication can only be prescribed since April 15 for a maximum of three months (instead of a year earlier), by decision of the National Agency for Drug Safety (ANSM).

Researchers at the University of British Columbia compared the risk of death within a year of starting treatment for thousands of patients with osteoarthritis. They showed a 20-50% increased risk in those taking tramadol compared to those using naproxen or diclofenac, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In contrast, all-cause mortality was lower with tramadol than with codeine. "Our results suggest that tramadol is associated with an unfavorable safety profile", concluded Lingyi Li, a doctoral student at the university, at the congress.

Distrust therefore with this powerful molecule, which can also cause addiction, dependence, even cause an overdose in case of overdose. If you suffer from chronic pain, forget about self-medication with tramadol and take stock with your doctor or rheumatologist.

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