Study Finds Arthritis Painkillers of Little Use

Monday, February 20th 2006

• Tweet

Painkillers taken by millions of arthritis suffers are actually of limited use in relieving symptoms, scientists say.

Researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway said their findings suggested the drugs should be used only short term and be prescribed much more critically.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including so-called COX-2 inhibitors, are generally recommended for treating patients with osteoarthritis.

But there are concerns about their safety, following the withdrawal of Merck's COX-2 drug Vioxx due to heart attacks risk.

Many older NSAIDs can cause gastro intestinal problems.

Jan Magnus Bjordal and colleagues pooled the results of 23 previous clinical trials to find out just how useful all types of NSAIDS and COX-2 drugs were in relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Their findings, published online by the British Medical Journal, showed that the drugs reduced plain in the short term only slightly better than a placebo.

Dr Bjordal said given their serious adverse effects, doctors needed to review carefully whether the drug use was justified.

Source New Zealand Herald, 25 November 2004

Footnote from Ideal Health

The following products are all useful for Arthritis Pain:

Joint Nurse
Bee Venom with Glucosamine
Chondroitin
Hi Strength Liquid Fish Oil
Glucosamine 1500 Complex
Glucosamine 1-A-Day
Joint Connection
Pain Relief
MSM
JointMax Glucosamine
HistaEze (Quercetin with Bromelain)
Turmeric

Related health information can be found here:

Anti Inflammatory
Arthritis Program
Bee venom with glucosamine to assist with arthritis, aches and pains or migraines
Joint Problems? Are you deficient in Chondroitin, a "liquid magnet" cartilage protector?
Efamarine for healthy skin, hair and nails
Overcome joint pain & stiffness with Glucosamine
MSM - bioavailable sulphur for arthritis and pain relief
Nutritional pain control - DLPA - a powerful pain reliever
Protein - a macronutrient so often overlooked
Water, the elixir of life

Related articles can be found here:

Arthritis drug fears escalate

Clinical Studies prove the benefits of MSM

Danger Warning on Pain Medicine

Latest update on Glucosamine Sulphate

Vioxx Pulled From Global Market

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

ref:n355

• Tweet