The Stroke Association is calling for urgent action to be taken on a class of pain killers known as Cox 2 inhibitors which could increase the risk of stroke.

Joe Korner, Director of Communications for The Stroke Association comments:

"Following recent news reports on the safety of Cox 2 inhibitors, we believe that there is growing evidence that these drugs raise blood pressure - a major risk factor for stroke. Last year Vioxx was withdrawn because of this risk. It is now time that the whole class of these drugs be withdrawn too. We need urgent action before any more people who have been prescribed these drugs increase their risk of stroke as a result of raised blood pressure. Rather than waiting for more evidence of the danger that Cox 2 inhibitors increase blood pressure, The Stroke Association believes that these drugs should not be prescribed unless or until their safety has been proven."

Notes to editor

1. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine this week states that a class of arthritis drugs known as Cox 2 inhibitors, which have been linked to heart attacks and strokes, raises blood pressure more than other painkillers. European regulators are currently conducting a safety review of Cox 2 inhibitors which are used by up to 1 million people in the UK. This study looked at 19 trials involving 45,000 people.

2. For media enquiries, please contact the media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or e-mail press@stroke.org.uk. Please note that we have an ISDN facility. Stroke Information Help line: 0845 30 33 100.

3. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

4. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

5. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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