A Vioxx alternative has been sought by Vioxx patients after the Vioxx recall. Vioxx side
effects caused patients to be twice as likely as the general population to suffer from
Vioxx heart attack or Vioxx stroke. A Vioxx recall was mandated when studies discovered
the serious Vioxx side effects far outweighed the benefits of using the Vioxx drug.
Other prescription drugs which work like Vioxx and may be used as a Vioxx alternative
are Celebrex, Bextra and Mobic. These Vioxx alternatives are cox-2 inhibitors and show
evidence of the same Vioxx heart attack and Vioxx stroke risks since these Vioxx
alternatives work in the same way as Vioxx. A Bextra recall was enacted in April 2005,
while Celebrex advertising has been stopped. Be sure to consult with your doctor to be
sure they are right for you.
The original NSAID’s (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen,
naproxen and aspirin are among the non prescription Vioxx alternatives. Keep in mind that
these Vioxx alternatives may cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. These NSAID Vioxx
alternatives work well for many patients.
Doctors often recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol’s active ingredient) as a Vioxx
alternative because of its affordable cost, effective pain relief, and lack of serious
side effects, but does not reduce swelling. Hyalgan and Synvisc mimic a naturally
occurring body substance, hyaluronic acid, which lubricates the knee joint and permits
flexible joint movement without pain. Corticosteroids hormones (Prednisone being the most
common) are very effective as Vioxx alternatives in treating arthritis but cause many
side effects, including damage to the cartilage.
Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD’s) include Arava, Methotrexate,
Hydroxychloroquine, Penicillamine and Gold injections. These Vioxx alternatives work
slowly to stop or decrease the progression of the disease by correcting abnormalities of
the immune system responsible for the disease. Adverse side effects of this
Vioxx alternative warrants careful monitoring by a physician.
Narcotic analgesics such as tramadol (Ultram), oxycodone (OxyContin), or propoxyphene
hydrochloride (Darvon) used as Vioxx alternatives treat the pain but does not reduce
inflammation. Doctors only use these Vioxx alternatives for as short a time in doses as
low as possible, due of the risk of addiction.
Biologic agents and biological response modifiers such as etanercept (Enbrel) and
infliximab (Remicade) are Vioxx alternatives used to reduce inflammation in the joints.
These Vioxx alternatives also work to alter the immune system protein (tumor necrosis
factor) which causes inflammation in joints. Because of the high cost, most doctors do
not prescribe these Vioxx alternatives to patients unless they have not responded well to
DMARD’s.
Topical analgesics used as Vioxx alternatives work by disturbing nerve endings
messages of pain to the brain and also by telling the body not to produce chemicals
associated with pain. Some of these Vioxx alternatives include counterirritants,
salicylates and capsaicin.
Exercise and weight reduction work together as an effective Vioxx alternative to
reduce joint pain and stiffness while increasing joint mobility. Stretching exercises,
swimming, walking, low-impact aerobic exercise, and range-of-motion exercises help
increase joint mobility and may reduce joint pain and stiffness. Weight loss is
beneficial in relieving the stress of extra weight on weight-bearing joints. Massage
therapy is a temporary Vioxx alternative performed by a massage therapist to gently
massage or knead the area which increases blood flow to the stressed area.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) is a small device which emits a mild
electric pulse to nerve endings in and around the affected joint. This Vioxx alternative
blocks pain messages to the brain and modifies the body’s perception of pain.
Surgery may become the Vioxx alternative in advanced cases of arthritis. Surgery may
remove the synovium, realign the joint or involve complete joint replacement.
Natural herbs and nutritional supplements as Vioxx alternatives offer pain relief from
inflammation caused by arthritis.
Glucosamine,
chondroitin and
MSM have gained respect as Vioxx alternative treatments for
osteoarthritis. Other Vioxx alternatives are
BioCell Collagen II™,
Cetyl Myristoleate,
Hyaluronic Acid,
White Willow Bark,
Omega 3 fish or flaxseed oils and Bromelain.
The following herbs contain phytonutrients that may safely and significantly inhibit
COX-2 and are good Vioxx alternatives: Chinese Goldenthread & Barberry, Ginger, Green
Tea, Holy Basil, Hu Zhang, Oregano, Rosemary, Scutellaria, and Turmeric.
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