Vioxx Alternatives
All alternate forms of VIOXX should be thoroughly
researched before beginning treatment. Decision should not rely on
one source.
Using an alternative medicine besides acetaminophen and ibuprofen has
been suggested by various doctors. One option, hyaluronic acid, is a
naturally occurring protein that is found in many of the body's joints.
It is given by a doctor in a series of 3-5 weekly injections and sold
under the names Synvisc and Orthovisc.
The benefits can last for an average
of 6 months, but the turn side is they only work in about 30-40% of
the patients. Injections may possibly be covered by medical insurance
and there appears to be no adverse side effects. More information on
hyaluronic acid can be found at FidiaPharma.
Nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are
other options some people choose to try. Glucosamine is found naturally
in the body and stimulates the formation and repair of articular cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate is also a natural substance found in the body and
prevents other body enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint
cartilage. Some of these types sold are derived from animal products.
People who use these supplements hope to relieve pain and hopefully
even repair or restore cartilage. More than a dozen studies have shown
that these supplements do offer benefits when it comes to protecting
joints.
A 3-year NIH study, recently begun, will compare glucosamine
with placebos, COX-2
NSAIDs , and chondroitin sulfate. Supplements are considered safe but
you cannot receive them without a prescription. http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/nut/nut01.html
A
study done on the top-selling combinations of Glucosamine and Chondroitin
on the market was done by Dr. Jason Theodosakis and can be read at http://www.drtheo.com.
Although there is no evidence that acupuncture is more effective than
a placebo, it is amongst the more frequent used complementary therapy
for osteoarthritis .
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