Health Alert 219
Dear Subscriber:
After years of drug company reassurances that their new miracle arthritis drug, Vioxx, was safer than other anti-inflammatories, pharmacies have yanked it off their shelves.
If you followed news reports, you know that studies proved the drug greatly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.1 You also know the FDA approved the drug and didn’t recall it until after the manufacturer already recalled it voluntarily. A blunder that prompted doctors to charge the FDA with “considerable failings” in its handling of the case.2
If you’ve been taking Vioxx, Celebrex, or any other form of COX-2 inhibitor for arthritis pain, it’s time to re-consider your need for these expensive and potentially dangerous drugs. Today I’ll show you safe, effective alternatives to control arthritis without toxic drugs.
* Another Gaping Hole in the FDA’s Safety Net *
Driven by heavy advertising, COX-2 inhibitors took off faster than any other group of drugs after Vioxx and Celebrex hit the market in 1999.3 And that’s just the problem. The FDA approved Vioxx too soon-before it was fully tested.4
But what’s worse, the FDA and the manufacturer knew as early as 2000 about Vioxx’s high cardiac risks. But were they concerned about the millions of patients taking the drug? No. They cared more about the 2.5 billion dollars Vioxx made in sales each year. So they downplayed the risks to the public.5
It’s just one more example of the FDA failing to protect the public from toxic drugs. And the result: millions of people wake up one morning to discover they were taking a drug that did them more harm than good. If they were fortunate enough to wake up at all.
* Pain-Relief without the Risks *
If you suffer from arthritis, don’t subject yourself to high-risk drugs. There are many safer natural remedies. Here are some general guidelines to get you started.6 But also discuss this with a physician well versed in natural remedies who can tailor a program for your needs.
Eliminate sugar and grains from your diet. This is critical. The insulin spikes and resultant biochemical changes are inflammatory. They can make arthritis symptoms worse.
- Eat unprocessed, naturally occurring foods, organic if possible.
- Eat your food as close to raw as possible.
- Increase omega-3 fats in your diet. They are quite effective in reducing inflammation. Good sources include cold-water fish, eggs, nuts, avocados, olives and grass-fed red meat.
- Talk to your doctor about developing a balanced vitamin and mineral regimen. Imbalances in these areas intensify arthritis symptoms.7
- Instead of drugs, ask your doctor to prescribe spices such as ginger, turmeric, rosemary and other natural remedies that reduce inflammation, relieve pain, relax muscle spasms, and increase the flow of circulation to joints.8
A complete program incorporates diet, supplements and exercise. In addition to these, you may want to consider acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, light therapy, physical therapy, or hydrotherapy.9
Combining a number of safe, natural treatments is the best way to reduce your risk of side effects and help you enjoy a long, pain-free life.
To Your Health,
Al Sears, M.D.
Sources:
1. Choi HK, Seeger JD< Kuntz KM; Effects of rofecoxib and naproxen on life expectancy among patients with rheumatic arthritis; a decision analysis; Dept. of Health Policy and Management; Am J Med. 2004, May 1; 116(9)621-9
2. Lisa Richwine; Arthritis Drug Recall Sparks Criticism of FDA; Reuters; Oct. 4, 2004 (Quote by Dr. Eric Topal, head of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic)
3. Andrew Pollack; New Scrutiny of Drugs in Vioxx’s Family; New York Times; Oct. 4, 2004
4. Andrew Pollack; New Scrutiny of Drugs in Vioxx’s Family; New York Times; Oct. 4, 2004 (Quote by Dr. Eric Topal, head of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic)
5. Letter from Dr. Steven Sinatra, cardiologist, to Dr. Sears research center
6. Dr. Joseph Mercola; Physician’s Protocol for Using Antibiotics in Rheumatic Disease; Revision of Dr. Brown’s Protocol; www.mercola.com
7-9 Gary Null, Ph.D; The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing; Bottom Line Books, © 1998-2004