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Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
There are alternatives to using over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Many herbs and spices that are used as anti-inflammatory agents and help reduce pain.
Recently, a lot of media has focused on the removal and recovery of the very popular and widely prescribed pain medications like Vioxx and Bextra. Drugs like Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex were the fifth largest selling drugs in North America. Its maker, Merck Pharmaceuticals voluntarily took Vioxx from the market last fall, because users in a long-term study doubles the risk of heart attacks. The New England Journal of Medicine also questioned whether the COX-2 inhibitor drug is safe. Pfizer's Bextra was pulled from the market recently after similar findings in a study.
There are a number of other drugs that work just like Vioxx, and may be used as an alternative to Vioxx. Other pharmaceutical companies who offer similar medicines have not had reason to remember their own pain relievers. Because these alternative medicines work the same way as Vioxx, you may want to consult a medical professional before taking these medicines, to ensure that they are right for you.
Patients can take Motrin, and that is as effective as Vioxx in reducing pain and inflammation if given in adequate doses. Aleve is also very effective, and there are many other drugs in the same category, the NSAIDs, which are effective.
However, a minority of patients can not take NSAIDs because of an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications associated with these drugs. These patients may be directed to Celebrex, another inhibitor of COX-2.
COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex combat inflammation without affecting the digestive tract. Alternatively NSAID sensitive patients could take an NSAID plus a pill to help prevent gastrointestinal symptoms. A combination like Motrin more Prilosec is as good as Vioxx or Bextra. Drugs as Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex drug sales were fifth largest in North America.
Food supplements are available to help control inflammation of the COX-2 enzyme without blocking the beneficial COX-1 enzyme. In addition, these supplements also block another enzyme inflammatory 5-LOX, which is not affected by many drugs for pain relief. For example, SAM-e, a dietary supplement, provided the same level of functional health of the knee, as an inhibitor of COX-2 Celebrex in a study by the University of California.
Glucosamine is primarily used to treat osteoarthritis. Research indicates that glucosamine is as effective as low doses of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. It appears to relieve pain and improve movement. It also slows the progression of the disease and protects the joints from further damage. In some studies, X-rays have shown that glucosamine prevents progressive joint damage. MSM is a compound that normally found in foods. Is believed to relieve osteoarthritis pain and help strengthen collagen in joints. An anti-inflammatory and digestive aid, bromelain has been used traditionally in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan, which stimulated the interest of researchers in Europe. Now, bromelain is one of the individual products Herbal sold in Germany.
Using anti-inflammatory herbs and spices as an alternative to medication is another option. Boswellia, ginger, turmeric, holy basil, green tea extract, resveratrol and bromelain are commonly used for the reasons above. Some herbal complex with these ingredients are: Kal Cox-2 Comfort Control Board, zyflamend New Chapter, Now D-Flame and Food Source Naturals' Rest inflammation. These gentle formulas may not work as soon as drugs but are safe enough to take indefinitely. If you want to change medications to natural therapies, share this information with your healthcare professional.
The use of any alternative to pain medications Vioxx and Bextra should be discussed with your doctor before starting treatment. If you had been drinking above for the pain, a number of alternative medicines that do not carry the same risk as Vioxx or Bextra.
About Walton Rehabilitation Health System:
Walton Rehabilitation Health System (WRHS) is a leading nonprofit integrated, multi-specialty, dedicated provider of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Our mission is to be an advocate for the welfare, providing a range of services to treat the whole person. WRHS whose reputation extends throughout the south, is a partner of trust only the right expertise and treatments to help people with disabling injuries and illnesses return to work and a fulfilling life. By pursuing its mission, WRHS has grown to include Walton Pain and Headache Centers, Community Services Walton Options for Independent Living Walton, Walton Foundation for Independence, and Technologies Walton. We are located at: 1355 Independence Drive, Augusta, GA 30901-1037. For more www.wrh.org information visit or call 866-4-Walton.
About the Author:
Hemant Yagnick, M.D., is an Interventional Pain Specialist and Medical Director of the Walton Pain Center in Augusta, GA. Dr. Yagnick believes that chronic pain is a complex medical condition influenced by biological, physical, behavioral, environmental and social forces. His new two-week comprehensive inpatient program helps patients receive relief from pain while becoming trained in coping techniques, speeds up their return to work and improves their quality of life. Dr. Yagnick earned his medical degree from JN Medical College and Hospital. He completed his residency in anesthesiology and an Interventional Pain Fellowship at Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. For more information visit http://www.wrh.org.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Alternatives to Pain Medicines
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