FDA Warns Naproxen Users; Bayer Healthcare's Aleve Latest Drug To Draw Scrutiny

The head of the U.S. drug safety agency on Tuesday said the United States was keeping "all regulatory options open" as it studied data showing increased heart risks from some painkillers. U.S. health regulators on Monday warned of heart risks connected to the over-the-counter painkiller naproxen, which is sold as a generic and under several brand names, including Bayer AG's Aleve, and as Roche AG subsidiary Roche Palo Alto's Naprosyn. The warning follows studies showing increased heart risks in two prescription painkillers -- Merck & Co. Inc.'s Vioxx, which the company has withdrawn, and Pfizer Inc's Celebrex, which is still on the market.