If you read these chronicles, you know that I have constantly warned about the
dangers of using NSAID's to tackle arthritis pain. Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs can cause serious problems and ulcers are one of them.
When we talk about NSAID's, we can include products like aspirin, Advil, Aleve,
Motrin and many more. The newer group of NSAID's is also implicated. I am
talking about Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra.
The risk factor for ulcer complications is lower with the last group of
prescription drugs but as most of you know, Vioxx was recently pulled from the
market because of possible cardiac implications. Of course, the drug companies
and the government are taking a closer look at the other two drugs in that
category.
Ulcers: No Fun and They can be Yours:
Our stomachs have natural bicarbonate that protects us from ulcers. However, the
amount of bicarbonate is controlled by prostaglandins and in some parts of your
body, they can cause inflammatory responses.
When you listen to television commercials, they talk about Cox-I and Cox-II
inhibitors. I am referring to ads for products like Celebrex and Bextra. Now,
these two enzymes are in charge of manufacturing prostaglandins. The one that
protect your stomach is of the Cox-I type. They control the amount of
bicarbonate released into your stomach. The Cox-II type deals with inflammation
through prostaglandin production.
The Bextra and Celebrex Connection:
This is what I call "high-end" NSAID's. They are prescription drugs and very
expensive. Supposedly, these drugs control inflammation with less stomach
irritation or complications. Of course if they follow the course of Vioxx, they
will not be on the market much longer either. The point is, these drugs were
touted for their ability to control inflammation from arthritis with less
stomach complications.
The Use of NSAID's and the Stomach:
When you are using an NSAID of any kind, it holds back the ability of your body
to produce prostaglandins that protect both your stomach and inflammation. In
short, it inhibits your body's ability to offer this protection. So, do you have
to suffer with arthritis pain or risk the ulcer?
You have Two Options Available
If you feel you must use an NSAID, and I caution against them, then you should
use a product like Prilosec (an over-the-counter antacid); or, Prevacid or
Nexium (prescription). These drugs reduce the production of acids and if taken
at the same time as an NSAID, reduce the ulcer risk.
Frankly, I am a strong advocate of using a pharmaceutical quality liquid
glucosamine. Most osteoarthritis sufferers get great results and there is
absolutely no ulcer risk involved. Certainly, there is no risk of cardiac
problems associated with using liquid glucosamine.
The choice seems easy to me!
JR Rogers is the owner of Synflex America Inc. makers of Syn-flex, a premium
glucosamine arthritis formula for humans and household pets.
The author's statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not provided
to diagnose or to suggest that liquid glucosamine and chondroitin will treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.
