That's according to a review of existing research in the British Medical Journal.
It found that compared with a placebo or dummy pill ibuprofen for instance was associated with more than three times the risk of stroke.
They add, overall, the risk was low but does need to be considered before these painkillers are prescribed to patients.
The study looked at non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as new generation medicines known as COX-2 inhibitors.
