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It's been a tough few weeks for
pain sufferers. First, Vioxx was pulled off the market because of
concerns that it increases the risk of heart problems. Then, as
reported in this issue, the NIH suspended a large study involving Celebrex
for the same reason. Shortly after, the NIH suspended a different
study which involved not only Celebrex, but the over-the-counter NSAID,
naproxen (Alleve).
What does this mean for people who
took Vioxx, Celebrex, and/or Alleve to try to help with pain? I'm not
yet sure, but I intend to get more information. I took Celebrex daily
for 2 years following my surgery, and subsequently took Alleve on a daily
basis until I became aware of the risks of NSAID's a few months ago.
As I intend to do, I encourage anyone who has taken any of these medicines
on a regular basis to discuss the issue with their doctor. As I learn
more, I will report accordingly.
With the growing concerns over the
COX-2 class of drugs, and given the stomach problems with even
over-the-counter NSAID's, the options for people in chronic pain become
fewer and fewer. Meanwhile, many doctors are afraid to tackle the
issue of pain for fear of addiction issues and getting in trouble with the
DEA. Highlighting the importance of controlling pain, this issue also
reports on a study which shows that chronic back pain actually results in
the loss of gray matter in the brain.
So what are pain sufferers to do?
For now, whatever works. It is up to each person to find the right
balance of therapies - be they heat, massage, exercise, acupuncture, etc -
and level of activity which minimizes their pain and maximizes their quality
of life. For those currently on, or considering taking, any of the
above mentioned drugs, I strongly encourage you to weigh the benefits and
risks in consultation with your doctor.
Despite the bad news over the last
few weeks, I remain optimistic that scientists are making headway in
understanding pain at a fundamental level. With this understanding
should come new and effective treatments, so that one day the grueling
experience of being in pain every moment of every day will be just a memory
for those who now suffer.
--Rick Labuda
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