As reported in the Los Angeles Times article on 2/19/05
“Suspect painkillers win fda panel ok”,
The fda advisory panel “voted Friday, to let Doctors
prescribe COX-2 painkillers, including Celebrex and
Vioxx, but recommended stronger warnings about the
risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
Even after Merck removed Vioxx from the shelves
last fall, And even after Celebrex and Bextra have also
been proven to increase heart attacks, stroke and death,
the fda advisory panel now says that it is ok to sell these
drugs and other COX-2 inhibitors, and they should only
carry the "black box" warning.
To say that this is confusing and dangerous to the public
is an understatement.
Because the fact of the matter is there are many people
who naively think that if the fda approves something,
it must be safe.
They don't question this at all. They blindly follow the
advice of their doctor and the fda. These are the people
who are most at risk.
To quote the article,
“The panel proposed that Celebrex, Vioxx
and Bextra, the third COX-2 drug cleared
by the fda, carry the “black box” warnings -
the strongest admonishment the fda can give
to Doctors.”
Let’s look at the word Admonishment.
Admonishment – as defined in The American
Heritage Dictionary –
“To reprove mildly or kindly but seriously” and
“To counsel against something; caution”
Hardly a strongly worded “warning” to give to
Doctors. We’re talking about heart attacks, stroke
And death. This is not a “watch your step”
precautionary suggestion.
What the fda is telling the public is that it is ok to
take this class of drugs and risk your health or even
death. Long term use of COX-2 drugs can also
raise your blood pressure.
The article also states – “In the case of Vioxx –
which was taken off the market voluntarily in the
fall by its maker, Merck, after a company sponsored
study confirmed the dangers – panel members voted
to approve its use by a margin of two votes.”
Does this really seem safe to you?
I’m not sure when you’ll be asking yourself, “Is the
fda really looking out for my health?”
Are you aware that the COX-2 enzyme is a form
of the cyclooxygenase enzyme and is produced by
your body and plays an important role by helping
to prevent blood clotting?
Why would you suppress this important function
of the body with drugs?
Better, safer ways to combat pain and joint pain in
particular exist which are less expensive and readily
available without a prescription.
You can evaluate them with a Doctor who is knowledge-
able about food, supplements and herbs and decide what
is right for You.
Foods, supplements and herbs which you can easily
incorporate into your diet to help reduce your pain
and inflammation:
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Hot Pepper
- Turmeric
- Rosemary
- Oregano
Green Tea – contains 51 inflammation inhibiting
Compounds like salicylic acid and polyphenols.
Fresh cold water fish like salmon and sardines, which are highin omega-3 fatty acids which are a natural oil for your joints and help reduce inflammation.
Other foods which are high in omega-3 fats:
- Grass fed beef which is also high in omega-3 fats
- Nuts - Brazil, walnuts, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts.
As well as seeds – like sunflower seeds and flaxseed.
- Mother natures supplements to ease joint pain and
inflammation:
- Glucosamine – an amino sugar and key component
of cartilage. Must be combined with the next 2 for
best results.
- Boswellin – an Indian herb which reduces inflammation
causing complex carbs
- Msm – Methyl-sulfonylmethane – an organic source
of the mineral sulfur.
The above 3 are best used together for optimum results.
Vitamins C and D – both have been clinically proven
to reduce osteoarthritis and joint stiffness and inflammation.
Fish oil tablets - also high in omega-3 fats.
You can even swim and exercise in water to go easy
on your joints.
Now go out and take action to reduce your pain safely,
Naturally and inexpensively.
Sources: Los Angeles Times “Suspect painkillers win fda
panel ok”, February 19th, 2005.
