More Evidence of Doctors Over-Prescribing Drugs

Despite mounting evidence on the negative side effects of high-dose consumption of the arthritis pain reliever, Vioxx, doctors continue to prescribe the drug.

Study on Vioxx Users
Participants of the study were over the age of 49 and taking a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Out of 40,000 participants, 10,000 were prescribed Vioxx Over 1,000 of that number were taking high-doses of Vioxx

Experts stated that 25 mgs has been the recommended dosage for long-term use for Vioxx. Research showed 50 mg dosages were not any more effective at helping with chronic pain than the lower doses. Higher doses also contributed to an increased risk of heart attacks.

Since 1992, red flags have been raised over the high dosages and dangerous side-effects associated with Vioxx.

High dose-Vioxx has been linked to a variety of health conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks, raised blood pressure and a growing number of cases of edema, a swelling found in the arms or legs that can weigh heavily on the heart.

Other conditions related to high dose Vioxx include stress on the kidney, which causes fluid retention, edema and elevated blood pressure.

Some doctors are against prescribing Vioxx to patients who are in the high-risk category for developing high blood pressure, due to the likelihood the drug could cause a rise in blood pressure. On the contrary, other doctors continue to downplay the drug's ability to induce negative side effects such as edema, hypertension and heart failure.
EurekAlert 13th July 2004
Per www.mercola.com
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