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Glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis
How effective are these for pain relief?
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Since the recall of Vioxx and Bextra and
a black box warning on Celebrex, the need for
a "safer" alternative to these drugs has become stronger. A new study says that the solution might be as simple as combining two natural supplements glucosamine and
chondroitin.
In a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, about four out of five patients who took both supplements experienced relief for moderate to severe pain, compared to 69 percent of those who took Celebrex. The
combination was also better than taking either supplement alone.
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Daniel Clegg, an expert at the University of Utah
says, "Given the results of this study, patients might want to discuss treatment
options with their physicians." Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra have
been criticized for killing over 60,000 Americans from heart
attacks, according to the FDA. Both Merck and Pfizer are buried under product liability litigation and victims are trying other
alternatives for pain
relief. Celebrex is the only drug still on the market but most
arthritis patients are running away from
it.
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Since
glucosamine and
chondroitin are what are known as dietary supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA. While that means that prices can be lower and availability is easier, it also means that risks are not understood well and manufacturers often over-promise. This study, however, was not sponsored by manufacturers.
Dr. Stephen Barrett, who watches miracle cures, advises that arthritis patients should try these medications
only under the supervision of a physician even if these supplements are available in the supermarket.
In
another study, however, for most arthritis patients
with aching knees, this combination turned out to be
no better than dummy pills. People with more acute
knee pain seemed to show some benefit.
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