"Vioxx Linked to 5 Cases of Meningitis." It was a disturbing headline from the March 25, Associated Press news wire.
The news agency reported that the popular painkiller rofecoxib, which is supposed to be a safer drug than some of the older prescription painkillers, has been associated with five cases of a nonbacterial type of meningitis, a possible side effect that, although rare, is serious, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported.
The cases were among seven reported to the FDA since May 1999.
The diagnosis was aseptic meningitis, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that is not caused by bacteria and is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis. It is sometimes caused by a virus or a medication and the FDA report doesn't say it was definitely caused by use of the drug. However, early reports of a possible meningitis link prompted the FDA to require the manufacturer Merck to add it to the list of potential side effects included in the product label and patient package insert, changes Merck made in 2000.
Professional Counsel
The example of headlines for a rare event such as meningitis or other uncommon serious complications seen with the new COX-2 NSAIDs is important and closely monitored by the FDA. However, the much more common serious complications seen with NSAID therapy mean that you should consider safety first. It should be based upon your own health situation and it is reasonable to consider safer alternatives. One such alternative may be Joint Aide™ from Whitewing Labs.
The cases of meningitis are rare and should not make anyone already using these drugs stop their use. But NSAIDs, including the newer COX-2 inhibiting drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex, are powerful medications and they do present the risk of complications and side effects with both short- and long-term use.
Natural Remedies, Better Choices
As the boomer generation moves into middle-age, it is estimated that up to eighty percent will suffer some form of joint disease or discomfort, especially osteoarthritis and joint and ligament damage. The problem is especially compounded when you consider the boomers will be the longest-lived generation in history!
That's why natural medicines are so important. They don't have the complications such as gastrointestinal upset, kidney or liver toxicity of medical drugs. Meanwhile, clinical studies validate that they work extremely well not only to quell pain but to rebuild the joints.
Many joint pain sufferers have found relief by using a supplement called MSM or methyl-sulfonylmethane. A rich source of sulfur, MSM helps the body to manufacture collagen to repair its cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscle. Most people suffer from sulfur deficiencies. It's only one of the internal symptoms identified in people suffering joint problems. By the way, another great benefit from using MSM is softer, younger looking skin.
Glucosamine sulfate helps to rebuild the joints by nurturing specialized water-rich cells known as glycosaminoglycans. More than 20 clinical studies validate that glucosamine sulfate can help in cases of osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, and other areas of the body.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) appears to work for helping relieve rheumatoid arthritis.
White willow bark is a natural source of salicylate, a natural form of aspirin, and the world's oldest, most revered supplements for maintaining healthy, inflammation-free joints.
One of several closely related enzymes occurring together in the fresh fruit, leaves and stems of pineapples, bromelain is effective for helping joints to function normally by attacking redness and swelling, according to Bert Seligman, M.D., of Flower Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. Unlike medical drugs used for inflammation associated with arthritis, the health-promoting effects of bromelain are without dangerous complications.
 Joint Aide and Joint Aide™ Cream help support joint health but without the side effects of medical drugs alternatives.
Whitewing's Recommendation
There are many natural remedies today that can work for you to help relieve inflammation, rebuild your joints and keep you moving effortlessly throughout your lifetime. You don't necessarily need to resort to drug therapy when Joint Aide with joint-supporting herbs and nutrients is available.
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