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MedicineNet survey shows that former users of Vioxx report negative consequences of the drug’s withdrawal from the market including less pain relief, side effects from alternate medications, and confusion about the safety of pain medications.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) February 8, 2005 -- Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans, and many have chronic pain that limits daily activity. According to a MedicineNet survey, the withdrawal of Vioxx from the market and concerns about the safety of other pain medications has resulted in negative consequences for former users of this pain medication. Of former Vioxx users surveyed, 42% reported less relief from their pain than previously. When Vioxx was withdrawn many switched to other prescription pain relief medications. Over half of former Vioxx users surveyed (58%) report experiencing side effects from their new medications with stomach upset and nausea reported most frequently.
The withdrawal of Vioxx and the revelations about the side effects of other pain medications including Celebrex and Aleve has created a climate of confusion for those who rely on pain medications. Among the former Vioxx users surveyed 21% are very worried about potential unknown side effects of their pain medications, and 28% are somewhat worried, and 26% are unsure of what to believe. For 16% the need for pain relief trumps their concern over drug safety. Over half (51%) of the former Vioxx users who responded to the survey did not contact their physicians prior to either stopping the drug or shifting to an over-the-counter medication.
Commenting on the survey, Dr. Shiel, Chief Medical Editor of MedicineNet.com noted that "patients with chronic pain rely on their pain medication for relief of their symptoms and to improve their quality of life. As indicated in our survey, the media is having substantial impact on medication decision-making. Now more than ever, it is important for doctors and patients to communicate with each other. Doctors must listen carefully to their patients’ concerns about safety and review the performance of the medications being used in response to the Vioxx withdrawal."
"Online medical resources such as MedicineNet that provide timely accurate information are valuable sources of information for those patients who do not immediately turn to their doctors when health safety warnings are issued," added David Sorenson, Vice President Marketing at MedicineNet. "The survey showed that 51% of the Internet savvy health consumers who were taking Vioxx at the time of its market withdrawal immediately took prudent self-directed actions. This included discontinuing taking Vioxx and shifting to over the counter medications," added Sorenson.
MedicineNet, Inc. is an online healthcare publishing company, creating proprietary consumer information that is produced by a network of 75+ U.S. board-certified physicians. Since 1996, it has been the trusted source for easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information via its robust, user-friendly, interactive Web site at www.medicinenet.com. The Doctors of MedicineNet are also proud to author the Webster's New World(TM) Medical Dictionary now in its second edition, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc.
To obtain a complete copy of the survey findings: Arthritis Pain Management after Merck's Withdrawal of Vioxx/Survey Results, please go to:
http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis_pain_survey/article.htm
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