News Briefs: Arthritis patients remain confused about pain meds’ safety
Arthritis patients remain confused about pain meds’ safety
Many arthritis patients are suffering because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe, says a survey conducted by the Rippe Lifestyle Institute (RLI) in Boston. Among this group, 68% reported a resulting decrease in their overall quality of life due to greater pain and limited physical activity.
Significant survey findings include:
- 46% of arthritis patients polled reported that they are confused about which treatment options are safe to take for their arthritis pain.
- Of those who have heard recent news about the safety of pain relievers, 48% revealed that they have reduced their medication or stopped treatment altogether.
- As a result of these changes in treatment:
- 42% report they are experiencing more pain than before;
- 21% say they have stopped exercising;
- 49% have limited their physical activities.
In addition, 64% of those who consulted doctors about their arthritis treatment say their doctors recommended over-the-counter medications for their arthritis pain.
"It is imperative that we in the health care community help our patients sort through this confusing and conflicting information and ultimately help them find the pain relief they need," says James M. Rippe, MD, a cardiologist who is an associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, and founder and director of RLI.
Many arthritis patients are suffering because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe, says a survey conducted by the Rippe Lifestyle Institute (RLI) in Boston. Among this group, 68% reported a resulting decrease in their overall quality of life due to greater pain and limited physical activity.Subscribe Now for Access
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