Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we're talking about health issues faced by older adults. In recent decades, new pain relievers have made it easier to manage osteoarthritis. But now health concerns have been raised about some of these drugs, including both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. What should you do?
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say the risk of problems like heart damage or ulcers from these drugs is actually quite small, considering the large population of patients with arthritis. Still, patients should talk to their doctors about arthritis pain relief options and related risks.
Older drugs may be effective. Non-drug therapies like weight loss, exercise and assistive devices may also help.
Next: pain medicine and your stomach.
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March 2005
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