Tag: joint pain

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra: What You Need to Know

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra: What You Need to Know About Arthritis Pain Medications
R.L. Fielding

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra:What You Need To Know About Arthritis Pain MedicationsRecent controversy about the safety of pain medications for arthritis has left patients and health care professionals alike confused about which medications are safe to use. In fact, a recent survey by the Boston-based Rippe Lifestyle Institute indicated that many people with arthritis are suffering unnecessarily because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe.The survey also showed that now, more than ever, those with arthritis need to understand the benefits and possible side effects associated with all arthritis pain medications. In order to do so, people with arthritis, their caregivers and families must be familiar with recent news about the two types of drugs most commonly used to treat arthritis pain non-selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and another group of NSAIDs known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors. COX-2 specific inhibitors vs. Other NSAIDsCOX-2 specific inhibitors are the newest members of the NSAID class of medications. Available by prescription only, they became widely used in recent years to reduce joint pain and swelling. COX-2 specific inhibitors work by selectively blocking, or inhibiting, one of the two enzymes associated with inflammation. Some experts think that this selective inhibition may be one reason for some of the negative side effects currently associated with COX-2 specific inhibitors.Non-selective NSAIDs were developed earlier than COX-2 specific inhibitors and have been widely used to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation for many years. Unlike COX-2 specific inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both major enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, COX-1 and COX-2. The non-selective NSAID category includes a number of different medications that are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products.Timeline of EventsTo understand the current state of affairs, it is important to understand the sequence of events. The controversy started when a study published in the October 21, 2004, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine cited the COX-2 specific inhibitor, Vioxx as potentially causing major adverse events, including heart attack and stroke, among patients taking the drug. As a result, Merck (the drugs manufacturer) voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market. However, in the months following, the safety of the other available COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Celebrex and Bextra, as well as other arthritis pain medications in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class, were also called into question.Consequently, in February 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a special Advisory Committee, made up of members of the Arthritis and Drug Safety Advisory Committees, to review the cardiovascular safety of these arthritis pain medications.FDA Directive: Stronger Warning Labels for Some Pain MedicationsOn April 7, 2005, taking into account the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the FDA issued the following directives: Bextra, a COX-2 specific inhibitor manufactured by Pfizer, was withdrawn from the market.All prescription NSAIDs must revise their labeling to include a black box warning that highlights the potential increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events as well as the potentially life threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with these drugs. Celebrex, the only COX-2 specific inhibitor remaining on the US market, was included in this directive.All OTC NSAIDs (except aspirin) will be required to revise their labeling to include more specific information about the potential for GI and CV side effects, a stronger reminder to follow label instructions, as well as a warning about potential skin reactions.To further evaluate the potential for increased CV risk, the FDA also announced that all NSAIDs must conduct and submit to the FDA a comprehensive review and analysis of pertinent safety data from clinical trials. Aleve (naproxen sodium) is supported by clinical studies conducted to gain approval of naproxen as a prescription product and as OTC that do not provide any evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events. Treatment Options: What Should Arthritis Patients Know?For some people who suffer from pain associated with arthritis, their symptoms can be managed with exercise, heat/cold therapy, joint protection, assistive devices, weight control, or in some severe cases, surgery. For others, medications are needed to help manage the symptoms associated with arthritis. When taken as directed OTC medications such as Aleve provide a safe and effective way to treat mild to moderate pain of minor arthritis. If patients have questions, they should consult their health care professional about which treatment option is most appropriate.Why Its Important to Treat ArthritisArthritis affects approximately 66 million Americans and is the nations leading cause of disability. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and they all have different symptoms that vary in severity from person to person. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that causes the bones to rub together, resulting in pain, loss of movements and stiffness . Arthritis is usually a chronic condition. For more information on Aleve and naproxen, visit the Aleve website at www.aleve.com. For more information on arthritis pain relief, visit www.arthritis.org. About the Author
R.L. Fielding writes on a number of subjects.

The Miracle of Essential Oils

Often described as nature’s gift to us, essential oils provide natural remedies for minor ailments, the beautifying of our bodies, and helps to aid in promoting positive emotions. These oils are normally derived from plants using their flowers, stems, barks, roots and even sap. Various parts of the plant are then distilled to extract the precious essence that is seemingly life giving.

What makes essential oils so special? Maybe it’s the fact that they can be found anywhere as they are naturally grown sometimes in farms or even in wild conditions. Maybe it’s the fact that essential oils can provide a multitude of physiological benefits as well as have the power to calm our soul. Maybe it’s the fact that the use of essential oils dates back to almost a thousand years and is already embedded in our history although no one exactly prove that they work much less how they work. Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that they provide a natural method of healing that can’t always be found in synthetic compounds.

Take for example, the unique history of frankincense. The use of frankincense dates back to more than 5000 years with one use directly being cited in the bible. (Frankincense was one of the gifts presented to baby Jesus by the three wise men.) At one time, the value of frankincense equaled that of gold! It was noted for abundant healing properties including rejuvenating skin, treating acne, bacterial and fungal infections, and wounds and scars. Frankincense was also used as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain. In addition to all of that, frankincense was used as a cosmetic as well as for repelling mosquitoes, wheat moths, and sand flies. Most notably, however, is the use of frankincense in spiritual practices. Frankincense promotes the body’s ability to quiet one’s mind; slow breathing rates, and enhances meditation. To think that all of this was found in a single plant!

The miracle of essential oils is this: that we have already been provided with all of what we need for our physical and emotional healing. Many of the ailments we suffer are the results of destructive emotions such as stress, fatigue, anger, loneliness and the like. These emotions take a toll on our physical being and results in worsened conditions which we seemingly are unsure of how to cure.

The miracle of essential oils is that no matter what your physical condition may be, you can still receive positive benefits even though it may be something as small as reducing the amount of pain you experience. Aromatherapy can help to eliminate negative emotions and reach a place of emotional balance to help you deal with any situation coming your way. All it takes is a positive outlook on life – your life. The effects may seem small to non-existent at first, but with time, may snowball into reversing some of the effects of the ailments you experience. What if you received a report that your blood pressure lowered on your next trip to the doctor?

Before starting any aromatherapy regimen, consult with your doctor or aromatherapy practitioner. Aromatherapy should also not be used as a substitute for any medical treatment.