Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) to ease pain? If you suffer
from inflammatory arthritis or pain due to injuries, you probably
are familiar with one of these drugs. No doubt you have also
heard recent reports linking some NSAIDs with an increased risk
of heart attack or stroke. Belonging to a class called Cox-2
inhibitors, the drugs in question work by reducing inflammation
and pain, while having a minimal effect on stomach bleeding and
ulcers. But several studies have raised questions as to the
long-term consequences of using Vioxx, Celebrex, Aleve and,
possibly, other drugs in this classification. What are the
facts and do you have an alternative for pain relief?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
- “FDA is issuing an advisory because of recently released data
from controlled clinical trials showing that the COX-2
selective agents (Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra) may be
associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular
events (heart attack and stroke) especially when they are
used for long periods of time or in very high risk settings
(immediately after heart surgery).” Dec. 23, 2004
- “Also, as FDA announced earlier this week, preliminary
results from a long-term clinical trial (up to three years)
suggest that long-term use of a non-selective NSAID, naproxen
(sold as Aleve, Naprosyn and other trade name and generic
products), may be associated with an increased cardiovascular
(CV) risk compared to placebo.” Dec. 23, 2004
The Results:
- Vioxx was voluntarily pulled from the market September 30,
2004.
- The FDA notified healthcare professionals to consider the
risk that cardiovascular events may be increased in patients
receiving Celebrex.
- The FDA urged consumers buying over-the-counter medications
such as Aleve, to strictly follow label directions.
- The FDA is analyzing all available information from recent
studies to determine whether additional regulatory action is
needed.
Ice Therapy: A Pain Relief Alternative
In this day and age when taking a pill might seem like the
easiest solution, it’s not always the best. Is there an
alternative to medication for pain relief? Yes! One of the
oldest and safest methods of controlling pain and inflammation
is ice therapy. Proven to be effective at reducing swelling,
numbing pain and decreasing muscle spasms, ice therapy is an
easy self-care technique. Compared to the medications
discussed, ice therapy has no side effects, including the
fear of heart complications.
Most doctors and therapists recommend using an ice pack to
treat acute and chronic pain, as well as help with joint
inflammation.* Using an ice pack immediately after an injury
occurs can dramatically reduce recovery time. Every runner
knows that icing sore knees after a long run will get them
back in the race faster. Ice is also one of the best ways
to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery.
What is the best type of ice therapy to use? The easiest is a
plastic bag filled with ice and water. But this can be a messy
method that does not conform to joints. Some people use a bag
of frozen peas. Better -- but not reusable. Plus frozen peas
defrost quickly, leaving a soggy mush. A more reliable ice
therapy is a commercial cold pack. There are many available
with each brand having its own range of features.
If you have decided to decrease your use of pain medication and
want a reliable method of ice therapy, look for a commercial
cold pack with the following benefits:
- Stays cold for 1 to 2 hours. This allows you to have several
icing sessions without wasting time returning it to the
freezer.
- Molds flexibly to help you ice rounded areas of the body
such as knees and elbows.
- Can be reused many times, which saves you money and offers
peace of mind that your ice therapy will be there when you
need it.
- Melts like ice. A cold pack that lasts a long time will
numb your pain and protect your skin against frostbite
better than one that lasts only 30 minutes. Short-lasting
ice packs deliver a hard hit of cold with a dramatic drop
in temperature, which can hurt your skin.
- Is non-toxic (free of chemicals and dyes) and latex-free to
keep you safe from poisoning and skin irritation.
- Has a versatile cover to protect your skin from too much
cold.
- Easy to use on any part of the body, again saving you money
because there is no need to buy different ice pack sizes or
covers to fit different body parts.
Next time you feel a knee twinge or your lower back pain is
acting up, reach for an ice pack instead of pain medication.
It may save your life!
Ruling from the FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/
For more information on using ice therapy:
http://www.snowpackusa.com/BeInformed.html
* Special Note: if you have problems with circulation or
diabetes, you should consult with your doctor before
applying ice therapy.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for
professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult
with your physician in the event of a serious injury.
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