Millions of arthritis sufferers were left high and dry when their pain-relieving drugs were withdrawn from the market. Several medications were taken off earlier this year for causing heart problems. Now a major new study is being launched in an attempt to help those in pain find some relief.
Millions of arthritis sufferers were left high and dry when their pain-relieving drugs were withdrawn from the market. Several medications were taken off earlier this year for causing heart problems. Now a major new study is being launched in an attempt to help those in pain find some relief.
Celebrex, Motrin and Aleve are 3 of the most common pain relievers for arthritis. Dr. Steven Nissen of The Cleveland Clinic claims that there is information that doctors need, “If one is safer than the others, we need to know that.” Similar drugs like Vioxx and Bextra were withdrawn as they increased the risk for heart attacks.
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic will examine 20,000 patients worldwide with arthritis and heart disease, or very high risk for heart disease, to determine which medication is the most effective at relieving pain without causing heart problems. Dr. Nissen, “We will look at the incidents of death, heart attack and stroke. And when it’s done, we’ll be able to tell people what’s the safest pain pill for your heart.”
According to Dr. Lee Ann Rhodes of Washington Hospital Center, a pain management specialist, this research will be helpful if, unlike earlier ones, patients are given normal doses, “You can give somebody two times to three times the daily dose and have a side effect that you will not see at a lower dose.”
Arthritis affects 66 million American citizens. A study conducted by the Arthritis Foundation discovered that more than half of patients are unaware of the painkillers’ side effects and 25% do not use the medications properly. Calaneet Balas of the Arthritis Foundation, “People don’t necessarily like to take drugs all the time. They’re expensive and cumbersome so sometimes they don’t necessarily take them, or they get confused.”
The findings of the research are expected to appear in 4 years. Pfizer, which produces Celebrex, is sponsoring this research. Scientists say it will be supervised by private and government experts who, during this study, are allowed to take fees from drug companies producing painkillers.
