Drug Web Sites May Not Be That Helpful

I have to admit that am opposed to drug ads on TV and elsewhere, such as the proliferation of ads that have been sponsoring Prevention magazine since Robert Rodale's death.

To add to the disease and drug mongering I think the ads promote, this article supports the need for more balanced and consistent information.

What most people today seem not to understand is the simple fact that their health care provider is required by law to give drug and side effect information every time a drug is prescribed.

Also helpful is information like we provide in our "Health Detective" and "Health Forensics" programs that includes drug interaction and nutrient depletion.

HANOVER, N.H., July 5 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers describe prescription drug maker Web sites a gray area of discourse and ethics.

Lewis Glinert, professor of linguistics at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., and John Schommer of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis examined Web sites dedicated to the 100 best-selling prescription drugs.

The researchers found consumers were expected to move in a maze of text and navigation choices and that content was unpredictable -- including difficult to discern mixes of information and promotion.

"The Food and Drug Administration has rules about direct-to-consumer print and television drug advertising, so we think it makes sense to also regulate Web sites and other marketing tools when it comes to prescription medicine," Glinert said in a statement.

"Consumers need consistent and balanced information."

The findings were presented at the Communication, Medicine and Ethics Conference at Boston University School of Public Health.

Glinert noted the search engine Google has been working with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., to improve Internet drug searches -- including adding links to NIH content and risk data.

"Our research provides justification for Google's move," Glinert said. "Only time will tell if this is a major change for the better."

© 2010 United Press International, Inc.

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Avoiding Drug Side Effects

"A study linking drug side effects and emergency room admissions found that a large number of Americans -- as many as 700,000 annually -- land in the hospital from taking medications. But the good news is that there are precautions you can take to avoid some of the worst adverse drug events detailed in the study."

In this report, which is helpful to some extent, item number 1 is 

Ask your doctor about side effects.

Yes, you should ask anytime any provider offers you a prescription, but don't forget that it is the provider's responsibility to thoroughly inform you, so that you should not have to ask.

You are also supposed to be told of any drug interaction that may occur from a combination of drugs you may be getting from your provider.

Too often this is ignored, and it places your health at risk.

Item 5 has real value, but my suggestion is to do this at least once every six months, even better to do it quarterly.

If you suspect a side-effect, even if it is one you were not informed of, call your provider and pharmacist immediately.

Health Forensics offers drug nutrient depletion information and interaction review services.

Medicare Moves to More Cuts

It is announced that another 21% cut in reimbursement to health care providers will begin soon according to a report on NPR this morning. What Health Law Didn't Fix: Medicare Doctor Pay

You may wish to look for one of our informative "Healthy Options" classes.  You can book a program for your community too.  We've been teaching these community and corporate wellness programs since 1995.

Other "Healthy Options" can be found here.

Seniors taking 20 pills a day

In the majority of situations no Rx interaction profiles are undertaken nor are reviews of the nutrient depletion caused by Rx. Also to be considered is a thorough review of side effects and risk of developing other conditions as a result of taking a drug.

Our Health Forensics (c) model covers these concerns as part of the health coaching we have done for 30+ years.

From a Medco Health Solutions survey of seniors 65 and older who take medications. [Note that 20% of insured seniors did not take any medication on a regular basis.]

http://patientadvocate.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/medco-study-on-pills-per-day-for-seniors.png 

Arthritis drugs pose cancer risk

A different approach for arthritis, musch more natural that immnosuppressive drugs.  If you're seeking consultation regarding arthitis, this service may be of help to you.

Collagen Ingredient Tests Positive for Joint Health Support
November 2009

A patented collagen ingredient may be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint health, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind study.

The undenatured type II collagen known as UC-II might reduce pain, stiffness and immobility associated with osteoarthritis, according to findings published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences.

The new study compared a daily dose of UC-II (40 mg) with a combination of glucosamine (1,500 mg of glucosamine HCl, USP Grade) and chondroitin (1,300 mg, USP Grade).

Looking at markers of joint health in 52 volunteers experiencing joint pain and stiffness in the knees from osteoarthritis, researchers led by Siba Raychaudhurl, MD, from the University of California Davis report that the effects were superior to those recorded in previous clinical investigations for glucosamine and chondroitin.

"The clinical benefits we saw in osteoarthritic patients taking UC-II, showing significant overall improvement in conventional osteoarthritis efficacy measures, are positive clinical indicators that UC-II is highly effective at supporting joint health," said Raychaudhurl. "While the overall benefits were impressive, it is important to note that reduction in pain and stiffness were seen as early as 30 days after taking UC-II."

The researchers assessed the physical function, stiffness and pain in the knees of 52 volunteers with an average age of 58.8 following 90 days of supplementation.

Compared to the established ingredients in the joint health market, the UC-II product was found to reduce pain during exercise by 20%, compared to eight percent for glucosamine and chondroitin.

Using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index as a measure of arthritis symptoms, the WOMAC score was found to have decreased by 33% and 14% in the UC-II and glucosamine plus chondroitin groups, respectively.

"Similar results were observed for visual analog scale (VAS) scores," added Raychaudhurl and co-workers. "Although both [UC-II and glucosamine plus chondroitin] reduced the VAS score, UC-II was found to be more effective with a 40% decrease after 90 days as compared to 15.4% in glucosamine plus chondroitin groups," they added.

International Journal of Medical Sciences 6(6):312-321, 2009

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Originally posted August 2009
FDA: Arthritis drugs pose cancer risk

By Susan Heavey – Aug 4
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Blockbuster prescription drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions can increase the risk of potentially deadly cancer in children and teenagers, U.S. health regulators said on Tuesday in ordering stronger warnings on such medications.

The Food and Drug Administration, which urged greater caution with so-called TNF blockers last September, said an analysis of 48 reported cancer cases in children using the drugs "showed an increased risk of cancer, occurring after 30 months of treatment on average."

Eleven of the reported cases were fatal, the FDA said.

Anti-TNF drugs include Johnson & Johnson's Simponi or golimumab, and its Remicade or infliximab; Abbott Laboratories Humira or adalimumab; UCB SA's Cimzia or certolizumab pegol, and Amgen Inc and Wyeth's Enbrel or etanercept.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can strike young people, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

It affects about 20 million people worldwide.

The drugs are used to treat other inflammatory conditions, including the bowel disorder known as Crohn's disease.

TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blockers make billions of dollars for manufacturers, but it is unclear how much they earn specifically from sales for children and teens. Not all of the drugs are approved for use in children for all related conditions.

Last year, Abbott's Humira earned $4.5 billion worldwide, while Amgen and Wyeth's Ebrel earned $1.2 billion. J&J's Remicade had 2008 sales of $3.7 billion. Its newer drug, Simponi, was approved earlier this year. UCB's Cimzia, launched in 2008, had about $14.4 million in global sales.

The drugs already carry the strongest warnings possible about the risk of possible serious infections. A new caution about cancer in younger patients will be added to the so-called "black box", the FDA said.

EVALUATING THE CANCER RISK

The FDA said in a statement on its website that its year-long analysis of the increased cancer risk in children showed about half the 48 cases involved lymphoma, which targets the immune system.

Rates for cancer cases with J&J's Remicade "were consistently higher compared to expected background rates for lymphomas and all malignancies," the FDA said. Cancer rates for lymphoma were also higher for Amgen and Wyeth's Enbrel, but rates for all cancers were similar to background rates, the FDA said.

The FDA did not calculate cancer rates for Abbott's Humira and UCB's Cimzia "because of minimal use in pediatric patients." J&J's Simponi was not approved at the time of the time of the analysis.

The FDA said it had "identified new safety information related to the occurrence of leukemia and new-onset psoriasis" that would also be included on the drugs' labeling.

The FDA said it had reviewed 147 reports of leukemia in adults and children using TNF blockers, including 30 deaths.

While rheumatoid arthritis patients may already be at greater risk for the white blood cell cancer, "there is a possible association between treatment with **TNF blockers and the development of leukemia in all patients treated with these drugs," the FDA said.

The FDA also reviewed 69 cases of psoriasis and said it found a possible link between the skin disorder and use of TNF blockers.

Brian Kenney, a spokesman for Johnson & Johnson's Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc unit, which makes Remicade and Simponi, said the company would work with the FDA to adopt the new warnings.

Amgen and Wyeth also said in a statement that they would revise their product warnings and continue evaluating risks and benefits of Enbrel. Representatives for Abbott and UCB had no comment.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; editing by Andre Grenon)

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NB: **TNF Blockers - For 20+ years I have warned people about the RA drugs and other immune suppressing drugs used in alleged auto-immune disorders and cancer risk. I would wonder just how many people have suffered or or now suffering from iatrogenitically induced cancers.

Nettle seems to be the most effective herb in reducing tumour necrosis factor, alpha and interleukin 1b cytokines which in addition to helping blood it is extremely anti-inflammatory. It makes strong bones and has many other health promoting properties too.

And I also wonder why it is when those of us who are well versed in natural health are aware of the RA connection to wheat, gluten and gliaden allergy, why food allergy testing is not considered first in mainstream medicine. Read article below about niacin...

And since any product causing death is illegal under US law, why are these drugs on the market or being allowed to be marketed with warnings?

When you think of what B vitamins can do for your health, the first thing that comes to mind is probably increased energy, better nerve function or sharper attention and focus. It’s not likely, however, that you’d rank any of them among nature’s greatest anti-aging secrets—which is why you might be surprised to learn that at least one member of this family of nutrients has emerged as a real-life fountain of youth.

That vitamin is niacinamide—a unique form of vitamin B3 that plays a key role as the co-enzyme, NAD or NADP, in hundreds of your body’s enzymatic reactions. Most of niacinamide is converted in cells and tissues to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). Niacinamide converts twice as readily to NAD/NADP as does niacin. Research has shown that a special life-extending protein—called silent information regulator 2 protein, or Sir2p—which is able to “silence” genes related to cellular aging is NAD-dependent.1

But that’s not all—research also shows that niacinamide supplementation can pack a powerful punch against the inflammation and joint destruction that accompanies many forms of arthritis, too. This B vitamin is able to mediate the activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), the inflammatory cytokine that’s implicated in degenerative osteoarthritis—while inhibiting levels of nitric oxide (NO), high levels of which can contribute to cartilage destruction.2-3

Even diabetics can benefit from extra doses of niacinamide. In type 1 diabetics, supplementation with this form of B3 has been shown to slow down the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, enhancing their regeneration and boosting pancreatic function.4 Clinical research also reveals that niacinamide can aid with metabolic control—lowering insulin doses and reducing damaging glycosylated hemoglobin levels among diabetic patients.5-6
Finally, niacinamide has been shown to provide significant benefits against stress, anxiety and sleep disruption—delivering all-natural relief that’s comparable to prescription sedatives.7-10 Add in its abilities to inhibit histamine release in bronchial asthma, its anti-mutagenic actions and its ability to minimize infarction in rats during the critical hours following a stroke and there seems to be no limit to this powerful B vitamin’s benefits.11-13

Bear in mind, however, that not just any B3 vitamin will do—you’ll have to take niacinamide specifically to get the unique spectrum of results. Luckily, you can order niacinamide readily and easily by contacting us.

References:
1. Imai S, Armstrong CM, Kaeberlein M, Guarente L; Transcriptional silencing and longevity protein Sir2 is an NAD-dependent histone deacetylase. Nature. 2000 Feb 17;403(6771):795-800.
2. McCarty MF, Russell AL. Niacinamide therapy for osteoarthritis—does it inhibit nitric oxide synthase induction by interleukin 1 in chondrocytes? Med Hypotheses. 1999 Oct; 53(4):350-60.
3. Kroger H, Hauschild A, Ohde M, Bache K, Voigt WP, Erlich W. Enhancing the inhibitory effect of nicotinamide upon collagen II induced arthritis in mice using N-acetylcysteine. Inflammation 1999 Apr;23(2):111-5.
4. Kolb H, Bukart V. Nicotinamide in type 1 diabetes. Mechanism of action revisited. Diabetes Care. 1999 Mar;22 Suppl 2:B16-20.
5. Pozzilli P, Visalli N, Ghirlanda G, Manna R, Andreani D. Nicotinamide increases C-peptide secretion in patients with recent onset type 1 diabetes. Diabet Med 1989 Sep-Oct;6(7):568-72.
6. Vague P, Vialettes B, Lassmann-Vague V, Vallo J. Nicotinamide may extend remmision phase of insulin-dependent diabetes. The Lancet. Mar 1987 ltr
7. Akhundov RA, Sultanov AA, Gadzhily RA, Sadykhov RV; [Psychoregulating role of nicotinamide]. Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1993 May;115(5):487-91.
8. Mohler H, Pole P, Cumin R, Pieri L, Kettler R. Nicotinamide is a brain constituent with benzodiazepine-like actions. Nature. 1979 Apr 5;278(5704):563-5.
9. Kryzhanovskii GN, Shandra AA. Effect of diazepam and nicotinamide on convulsive activity of various types]. Farmakol Toksikol. 1985 Jul-Aug;48(4):21-5.
10. Akhundov RA, Zagorevskii VA, Voronina TA. [Nootropic activity of nicotinamide and its structural analogs]. Biull Eksp Biol Med 1990 Oct;110(10):384-6.
11. Werbach M. Nutritional Influences on Illness, 2nd ed., 1993 pp 114-115, 117, 19.
12. Pero RW, Axelsson B, Siemann D, Chaplin D, Dougherty G; Newly discovered anti-inflammitory properties of the benzamides and nicotinamides. Mol Cell Biochem 1999 Mar;193(1-2):119-25.
13. Ayoub IA, Lee EJ, Ogilvy CS, Beal MF, Maynard KI; Nicotinamide reduces infarction up to two hours after the onset of permanent focal cerebral ischemia in Wistar rats.Neurosci Lett 1999 Jan 4;259(1):21-4.