 |
|
'Vioxx like' drugs may still be best option for arthritis, write scientists
January 19, 2006Scientists believe that despite the current concerns around anti-inflammatory drugs like Vioxx, they may still be the best option for treating some forms of arthritis.
In a Nature Reviews of Drug Discovery article this month the researchers from Imperial College London and Queen Mary, University of London examine the use of selective inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2).
They argue that although this class of drugs, which includes Vioxx, has been associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes in some patients, the same may be true for traditional non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
All NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, work by blocking the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Blocking COX-2 relieves inflammation and pain, but blocking COX-1 can increase the risk of gastric ulcers and bleeds. For this reason COX-2 selective drugs were developed with the simple aim that they would retain the therapeutic actions of NSAIDs (linked to inhibition of COX-2) but lose the gastric side effects (linked to inhibition of COX-1).
The researchers reviewed over one hundred papers on the subject and looked at the latest recommendations from organisations such as the American Federal Drugs Administration on the use of COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs.
The researchers point out that the calls for the removal of COX-2 inhibitors, and a return to using NSAIDs, may cause additional problems. Although NSAIDs have been marketed for a number of years, they have never been required to meet the clinical trial standards now set for COX-2 inhibitors, meaning they may not be any safer.
Professor Jane Mitchell, from Imperial College London, and one of the reviews authors, said: "Although some COX-2 drugs have been reported to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, they may still remain the best option for treating arthritis in some patients without cardiovascular risk factors who cannot tolerate traditional NSAIDs because of gastric side effects."
Professor Mitchell added: "This review shows us that despite the large scale use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors for a number of years, we still need more information on their benefits and potential risks and that more research needs to be done in this area. Looking at existing evidence, however, it would seem COX-2 inhibitors may be the best option for some patients. They are as effective as traditional NSAIDs, but with less gastric side effects than some older drugs."
Imperial College London
All NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, work by blocking the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Blocking COX-2 relieves inflammation and pain, but blocking COX-1 can increase the risk of gastric ulcers and bleeds. For this reason COX-2 selective drugs were developed with the simple aim that they would retain the therapeutic actions of NSAIDs (linked to inhibition of COX-2) but lose the gastric side effects (linked to inhibition of COX-1).
The researchers reviewed over one hundred papers on the subject and looked at the latest recommendations from organisations such as the American Federal Drugs Administration on the use of COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs.
The researchers point out that the calls for the removal of COX-2 inhibitors, and a return to using NSAIDs, may cause additional problems. Although NSAIDs have been marketed for a number of years, they have never been required to meet the clinical trial standards now set for COX-2 inhibitors, meaning they may not be any safer.
Professor Jane Mitchell, from Imperial College London, and one of the reviews authors, said: "Although some COX-2 drugs have been reported to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, they may still remain the best option for treating arthritis in some patients without cardiovascular risk factors who cannot tolerate traditional NSAIDs because of gastric side effects."
Professor Mitchell added: "This review shows us that despite the large scale use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors for a number of years, we still need more information on their benefits and potential risks and that more research needs to be done in this area. Looking at existing evidence, however, it would seem COX-2 inhibitors may be the best option for some patients. They are as effective as traditional NSAIDs, but with less gastric side effects than some older drugs."
Imperial College London
Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News RSSResearchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms - and improved vision - following treatment with the drug rituximab.
Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power of Flu Shots
With flu vaccination season in full swing, research from the University of Rochester Medical Center cautions that use of many common pain killers - Advil, Tylenol, aspirin - at the time of injection may blunt the effect of the shot and have a negative effect on the immune system.
Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery
The meniscus is a rubber-like, crescent moon-shaped cartilage cushion that sits between the leg and thigh bone. Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside.
Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.
Pain thresholds linked to inflammation and sleep problems in arthritis patients
Despite recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapy, many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients continue to suffer from pain.
URI research couple's method targets cancerous tumors
Two University of Rhode Island associate professors, biophysicists Yana Reshetnyak and Oleg Andreev, have discovered a technology that can detect cancerous tumors and deliver treatment to them without the harming the healthy cells surrounding them, thereby significantly reducing side effects.
Changing behavior helps patients take medication as prescribed
Taking medication as the doctor prescribes is crucial to improving health. However, 26 to 59 percent of older adults do not adhere to instructions, according to a 2003 study published in Drugs and Aging.
Extra care for outwardly healthy workers costs companies millions annually
Someone healthy enough to work could still cost an employer more than $4,000 annually in unnecessary health care costs.
New therapy for vasculitis will help patients avoid infertility and cancer
Researchers have identified that Rituxan, a drug previously approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis, can treat severe ANCA-associated vasculitis as effectively as cyclophosphamide, the current standard therapy.
Stanford study identifies cellular mechanism that causes lupuslike symptoms in mice
Macrophages, the scavenger cells of the body's immune system, are responsible for disposing of dying cells. Stanford University School of Medicine researchers have identified one pathway in this important process in mice that, if disrupted, causes a lupuslike autoimmune disease.
More Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News Articles
 |
Imak Arthritis Gloves Medium (Pack of 2) by IMAK The IMAK Arthritis Gloves help relieve aches, pains and stiffness associated with Arthritis of the hands. The unique design provides mild compression, offers warmth and helps increase circulation and promote healing. The Arthritis Gloves are made of soft |
 |
Conquering Arthritis: What Doctors Don't Tell You Because They Don't Know by Barbara D Allan (Author) This book is newly revised and updated with important updates that make healing from arthritis even easier and quicker. It has been used with great success by many people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other forms of arthritis, to heal themselves. It provides practical, detailed information that is critical for the successful healing of arthritis, but that has never before been collected in one place. The information is organized into a well-researched, easy-to-follow plan for getting well again and includes case histories of people with dramatic and lasting recoveries. It focuses not just on coping with the symptoms of arthritis, but on correcting its underlying causes using proven alternative medicine and pain management techniques. ... |
 |
Arthritis Gloves - Medium - 1 pair by Imak IMAKs® Arthritis Gloves are designed to help relieve aches, pains, and stiffness associated with arthritis of the hands. The unique design of the IMAK Arthritis Gloves provides mild compression for warmth and helps increase circulation, which ultimately reduces pain and promotes healing. The Arthritis Gloves are made of soft, breathable cotton Lycra®, meaning they are comfortable enough to wear all day and night. The open fingertips allow you complete freedom to feel, touch and grip, so you can perform daily tasks without issue. |
 |
The Arthritis Cure, Revised and Updated: The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse, And May Even Cure Osteoarthritis by Jason Theodosakis (Author), Sheila Buff (Author), Barry Fox (Author) Since its original publication in 1996, The Arthritis Cure has swept the nation, providing amazing relief for the millions who suffer chronic arthritis pain. By outlining a nine-point program that includes a new effective supplement, ASU, The Arthritis Cure Revised Edition describes a program that can halt, reverse, and possibly even cure degenerative osteoarthritis. Based on the most recent and cutting-edge medical research, this invaluable resource promises readers: --The latest research indicating that prescription arthritis drugs are not only expensive but can also be dangerous--they can raise blood pressure and damage the kidneys. --New studies supporting the use of glucosamine and chondroitin to treat arthritic symptoms. --Dr. Theodosaki's ratings of the current... |
 |
Arthritis Advantage for Arthritis Dietary Supplement Caplets, 32-Count Box (Pack of 2) by Arthritis Advantage APR Arthritis Advantage for relief of arthritis symptoms |
 |
Arthritis, What Exercises Work: Breakthrough Relief For The Rest Of Your Life, Even After Drugs & Surgery Have Failed by Dava Sobel (Author), Arthur C. Klein (Author) What is the most powerful arthritis treatment ever developed to help restore you to a healthy, pain-free, and vigorous life--for the rest of your life? It's the very same breakthrough that has: --Helped more arthritis sufferers than drugs, surgery, or any other treatment--without dangerous side effects. --Been widely prescribed by medical doctors and other health practitioners. The answer? Exercise. Here are the right exercises for your kind of arthritis, pain-level, age, occupation, and hobbies. And they're the most effective exercises for arthritis available anywhere--rated "best" by arthritis sufferers themselves in an unprecedented nationwide survey...supported by medical doctors...and backed by the latest research. only this book has them. Let... |
 |
Arthritis Dexterity Kit - Set of 11 Aids for Daily Living by Distributed by Wellhaven Gifts for Seniors & Boomers Make everyday tasks easier with the Dexterity Kit. It contains 11 products that help provide arthritis pain relief. The Dexterity Kit contains: 1 Folding Zipper & Button Puller - for home or travel use, 2 Spoon & Fork Holders - removable - use with your existing silverware, 2 Lamp Switch Enlargers - no permanent installation required, 3 Pen and Pencil Cushions - use on artist paint brushes, knitting needles, etc., 3 E-Z Key Turners - 3 different colors for key color coding |
 |
The New Arthritis Breakthrough: The Only Medical Therapy Clinically Proven to Produce Long-term Improvement and Remission of RA, Lupus, Juvenile RS, Fibromyalgia, ... & Other Inflammatory Forms of Arthritis by Henry Scammell (Author) "...can be miraculous for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers."-- Health & Healing, Tomorrow's Medicine Today |
 |
Arthritis Advantage-Once Daily Arthritis Therapy, 96 Caplets (3 Pack) by Digestive Advantage |
 |
How to Eat Away Arthritis: Gain Relief from the Pain and Discomfort of Arthritis Through Nature's Remedies by Laurie M. Aesoph (Author) This revised and expanded edition of the perennially popular self-help book details how arthritis sufferers can improve their conditions with the foods they eat. Using the simple dietary procedures described in this book, readers can reverse some cases of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis without expensive drugs or equipment. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |