An increasing number of Americans are relieved to learn there are
non-drug ways to ease pain now that safety questions have been raised
about another well-known and widely used painkiller, Bextra.
Recent
meetings of the FDA were preceded by a petition from a leading consumer
group, Public Citizen, asking that the drug be taken off the market.
Both the FDA and Public Citizen raised concerns about the safety of
Bextra, one of the so-called Cox-2 inhibitors. The Cox-2 drugs Vioxx
and Bextra were once viewed as “wonder drugs” for arthritis and painful
menstrual cycles.
Bextra has moved into the spotlight while the
maker of Vioxx is being investigated. Vioxx was one of the nation’s most
popular ways to treat pain and arthritis and was taken by an estimated
20 million people before it was withdrawn from the market. That
happened after studies linked it to a heightened risk of heart attack
and stroke – information that may not have been fully understood when
the drugs received FDA approval.
Researchers released information
indicating that the chances for heart attack following prolonged use of
Vioxx were four times greater than with older over-the-counter pain
relievers. It has also been linked to angina and stroke. A University
of Pennsylvania study released at a meeting of the American Cardiology
Association indicated that those taking Bextra had a 2.19 times greater
chance of heart attack, stroke, sudden death and Stevens Johnson
Syndrome, a life threatening disorder in which blisters occur on the
patient’s body.
The result is many people are now seeking alternative non-drug therapies. They are also investigating legal remedies.
Those
seeking non-drug alternatives to relieve chronic pain should discuss
their plans with a physician. Known alternative remedies include:
MSM
(Methyl Sulfonyl Methane), a compound normally found in foods. It’s
used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and help strengthen collagen
in the joints.
Glucosamine, primarily used to treat
osteoarthritis. Research indicates that glucosamine is as effective as
low doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen. It
appears to relieve pain and improve movement, slow the progression of
the disease and protect joints from further damage.
Wobenzym, an enzyme combination and a top-selling supplement in Europe, now available in North America.
Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid used primarily in Japan, Hawaii and Taiwan.
