The Hex of Drugs Like Celebrex

By Michael Dorausch, D.C.

According to a recent study, the arthritis drug Celebrex does not protect ones stomach from dangerous bleeding ulcers as well as previously thought.

You’ve probably seen them on TV, Celebrex and two new similar anti-inflammatory drugs get lots of advertising time, touting they are safer than other older anti-inflammatory medications and cause fewer ulcers and other gastrointestinal complications.

According to a recent MSNBC report, the three drugs (Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra) currently have annual sales exceeding $6 billion. That’s a lot of change for only 3 drugs. Chances are, those sales are based on effective marketing rather than effective medications.

The article mentions the following as some of the potential side effects found in the recent study… bleeding ulcers (potentially life-threatening), dangerous kidney complications, renal toxicity, high blood pressure and life-threatening kidney failure.

In a related article that appeared on Smart Money, a professor of internal medicine stated, “This study shows that people who have had an ulcer should not take Celebrex or any NSAID.” NSAIDs are a class of pain pills that include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, Celebrex and Vioxx.

Are drug complications really that serious? We see them briefly mentioned in some drug ads but how rare are “rare” side effects? According to the MSNBC article, “Complications from taking older anti-inflammatory drugs hospitalize about 107,000 Americans, and ulcer complications kill an estimated 16,500 each year.” Those are ulcers that result from taking pain medications such as Advil, Aleve, aspirin, Celebrex and Vioxx.

The MSNBC article mentions that some arthritis sufferers may be able to limit or avoid pain medications by incorporating “treatments ranging from stretching and other exercise to weight loss, hot or cold packs and braces or splints.”

A good chiropractic program that includes regular spinal adjustments, moderate stretching and exercise is a great natural way to keep ones body in motion and avoid the pain and other complications associated with various forms of arthritis.

Trust the innate wisdom of your body and allow it to express health naturally, without the dependence on dangerous drugs and surgeries.

Here are some links…
MSNBC: Celebrex’s effectiveness questioned – Popular arthritis drug may not protect stomach from ulcers
Boston Globe: Study says Celebrex, standard drugs similar
Smart Money: New Study Fuels Debate Over Celebrex Side Effects

Past Celebrex Related Articles: Are you taking chances with drugs?