Okay, here's something I'd like to discuss. A couple of you have expressed disgust that Cox-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, et al) are back on the market in the US. Since those drugs have come under scrutiny, I've seen countless elderly patients in *a*g*o*n*y* because their arthritis is now essentially untreated. At our age, you have no conception of how agonizing and debilitating arthritis can be. Without that class of drug and Aleve (which is also now considered to be more dangerous), their choices are 1) Tylenol which is ineffective 2)Aspirin with its risks (do you have any idea how many people die each year from GI bleeds?) and 3) prescription narcotic pain relievers.

So, is it possible - just possible, that's all - that the Cox-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, et al) even with their risks are less risky than putting elderly patients on narcotics to control their pain? Is it possible, just possible, that there were other factors involved in the decision to allow these drugs to be prescribed with restrictions than money alone?

Now, you want to know what disgusts ME??? That pharmaceutical companies are allow to advertise directly to consumers. I still don't understand THAT decision.

[QUOTE=index.html]Okay, here's something I'd like to discuss. A couple of you have expressed disgust that Cox-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, et al) are back on the market in the US. Since those drugs have come under scrutiny, I've seen countless elderly patients in *a*g*o*n*y* because their arthritis is now essentially untreated. At our age, you have no conception of how agonizing and debilitating arthritis can be. Without that class of drug and Aleve (which is also now considered to be more dangerous), their choices are 1) Tylenol which is ineffective 2)Aspirin with its risks (do you have any idea how many people die each year from GI bleeds?) and 3) prescription narcotic pain relievers.

So, is it possible - just possible, that's all - that the Cox-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, et al) even with their risks are less risky than putting elderly patients on narcotics to control their pain? Is it possible, just possible, that there were other factors involved in the decision to allow these drugs to be prescribed with restrictions than money alone?

Now, you want to know what disgusts ME??? That pharmaceutical companies are allow to advertise directly to consumers. I still don't understand THAT decision.

I don't think we can say Cox-2's are less risky....although you are right about aspirin, some people take it for years without problem, especially now with the coated version plus most people will have food with it.

I heard comedian Bill Maher (of the old Politically Correct Show) say one time something about that T.V. advertising. He said they tell you to ask your doctor....but isn't your doctor supposed to be telling you? Doesn't he know if you need it? If you are asking your doctor for this pill and he gives it to you, isn't he then just your pusher? :D

Jeanene Garafolo the comedianne was also listing the side effects of Paxil they mentioned on the commercials for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder...dizziness, sweating, anxiety, tremor insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, sexual side effects, gas and vomiting ...she said yeah, exactly the kind of things she wants to have in social situations... :eek: