Question:
I have also posted this message in the arthritis group. I think it needs
to be in both these groups. Thank you.
I took Vioxx for years, for almost as long as it was available. I took
the full dose daily and do not think it affected me adversely. All
along, the drug was referred to as an ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. I am sure that
it helped the osteoarthritis that I have. After Vioxx was taken off the
market, I switched to Bextra, as helpful as Vioxx,feeling that the
inflammation in my joints was kept at bay with these anti-
inflammatories. Eventually, on my doctor's advice, I also gave up Bextra.
And here is my question:
When Vioxx was taken off the market,and very suddenly, it underwent a
complete name change. It was no longer called "anti-inflammatory" but
became "PAIN-KILLER." I have thought and thought about the switch,
"painkiller" implies "bad" drugs, narcotics and the like, thus fearing
addiction, a real incentive to cause one to stop using these scary
"pain-killers." What happened to the "anti-inflammatory" that conveyed a
real attack on all the joints that were inflammed by arthritis? Who
thought up this clever disguise?
Did anyone else notice this change?
Answer:
I too thought it was interesting that they've labeled these medications
"pain killers". Even thought it's totally wrong, it's going to be
interesting to see how it comes down out in the real world. Doctors are
going to have to reevaluate the use of real pain medications, even with the
subdued approval by the FDA of the Cox-2's. It may finally remove or at
least reduce the stigma opiates have carried for so many years and finally
get someone digging at the truth and get some real information about the
risk of addiction to these drugs. They've painted themselves in to a corner
now, trapped between risking the real damage the NASAID family can do to a
patient versus the imagined potential for addiction to real pain killers.
If track records are any indication of future actions, I'd bet a whole lot
more people are just going to be left in pain, without any treatment at
all. It still might be a good idea to buy Pfizer stock, even though they
make most of the Cox-2 drugs and they'll lose some market there, even
though all is now forgiven. They're also the purveyor of that wonderful "do
all" medication Neurontin. Pharmacies are going to be hard pressed to keep
that non pain killing, psychotic episode inducing, seizure medication on
the shelves. Kind of scary ain't it
