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August Health News (archived version - dated sales have expired)
I've been warning my patients, and anyone else interested, for the
last 3 years about Vioxx and other products in the new class of drugs
released in 1999 called COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx is a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed to relieve acute pain in
adults, dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cycles), and rheumatoid arthritis.
This news alert is to let you know about the recent trial which ended in a
GUILTY verdict for Merck, the company who created Vioxx. Of course they
will appeal but I think the jury saw the truth and made the right
decision.
Here's the full story followed by a few healthy alternatives to using
these potentially dangerous products.
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PHARMACEUTICAL GIANT, MERCK AND CO. IS FOUND GUILTY IN FIRST VIOXX
CASE.
A Texas jury found pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. liable Friday for the
death of a man who took the once-popular painkiller Vioxx, awarding his
widow $253.4 million in damages in the first of thousands of lawsuits
pending across the country.
MORE THAN 4,200 LAWSUITS PENDING
The case drew national attention from pharmaceutical companies, lawyers,
consumers, stock analysts and arbitrageurs as a signal of what lies ahead
for Merck, which has vowed to fight the more than 4,200 state and federal
Vioxx-related lawsuits pending across the country. Merck said it plans to
appeal. If the first wave of verdicts go against Merck, experts predict it
will open the floodgates for more lawsuits and could force the drug company
to settle cases out of court. Analysts have speculated Merck?s liability
could reach $18 billion. Merck pulled Vioxx, a $2.5 billion seller, from
the market in September 2004 when a long-term study showed it could double
the risk of heart attack or stroke if taken for 18 months or longer.
THIS IS ONLY A RIPPLE IN MERCK?S STAGGERING YEARLY PROFITS
The top ten companies reported combined profits of $35.9 billion dollars
in 2002. This is more than the remaining 490 Fortune 500 companies put
together ($33.7 billion). These same companies spent $36 billion on
advertising and marketing in 2002.
The Families USA, a non-profit organization, reported that the former CEO
of Bristol-Meyers Squibb, made $74,890,918 in 2001. This doesn?t include
his $76,095,611 worth of unexercised stock options. The chairman of Wyeth
pharmaceuticals made over $40 million dollars, exclusive of an additional
$40 million in stock options. I?m sure the CEO of Merck is well
compensated as well.
Internal memos show disagreement within the FDA over a study by one of its
own scientists, Dr. David Graham, who estimated Vioxx had been associated
with more than 27,000 heart attacks or deaths linked to cardiac
problems.
Bextra, Celebrex, Mobic, and the other NSAIDs have been implicated as
having potential heart related side effects.
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There is little risk in using NSAIDs short term or on an infrequent basis.
However, chronic use of these drugs can cause some serious side
effects.
I?m encouraging my patient?s to reconsider taking NSAIDs. I recommend that
you try one of the following natural formulas. These formulas have helped
many of my patients discontinue their NSAIDs and become pain free.
I want to encourage you to try a safe, all natural and effective, approach
to reducing your inflammation and pain. I really want you to try these safe
pain relievers so, for a special time-limited period, I?m slashing the
prices of all of my most popular pain formulas. Look below to find the
formula that is right for you.
Please don't delay. These special sale prices are only good until 6 P.M.
(CST) Wednesday, August 24, 2005.
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Arthro Support Formula
My Arthro Support Formula has helped thousands of people reduce and
eliminate their arthritis pain.
Arthro Support Contains:
1,500 mg. of glucosamine sulfate and 1,200 mg. of chondroitin sulfate,
both proven effective in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms and rebuilding
degenerated joint cartilage. Studies in Milan, Italy, showed glucosamine
to reduce arthritis symptoms by one-half in 73% of participants and
completely in 20% of participants.
Boswelia, one of the oldest herbs in Indian medicine. It shrinks inflamed
tissue, builds cartilage, increases blood supply, and repairs damaged
blood vessels.
Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple. Over 200
medical journal articles attest to its effectiveness in treating such
conditions as inflammation, pancreatic insufficiency, and respiratory
disease. It blocks inflammatory chemicals and digests excess fibrin, a
chemical contributing to osteoarthritis, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis,
and scleroderma.
Turmeric, a perennial plant and powerful pain relieving anti-inflammatory
as strong as hydrocortisone but without the side effects. It is a popular
arthritis remedy in India.
Devil?s Claw, a perennial vine and potent anti-inflammatory and pain
reliever. Studies in Germany have shown this herbal medication to be very
effective in relieving low back pain and associated sciatica
Normally it's already marked down to $39. Now, it's on sale for $29. Save
an additional 10 dollars off of the previous sale price!
To learn more about this product or to purchase it, visit this link
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Achy Muscle Formula
Vegetarian Achy Muscle Formula helps relieve tight achy muscle pain and
inflammation.
Recent research demonstrates the beneficial action of celery seed extract
for regulation of inflammatory processes involved in minor pain affecting
muscle and joint tissue. The presence of 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB), a
compound unique to celery, appears to be responsible for its healing
actions.
By helping to restore prostaglandin balance and enhance blood flow, this
concentrated extract produced noticeable positive benefit on muscle and
joint function in individuals studied over a 3 to 6 week period. To
further support natural physiological response mechanisms within tissues
and joint structures, Achy Muscle Formula combines celery seed extract
with a highly concentrated boswellia extract supplying AKBA, a
5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, and a unique phellodendron extract with natural
COX-2 regulatory action.
Suitable for patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and
fibromyalgia.
Normally it's already marked down to $23. Now, it's on sale for $17. Save
an additional 6 dollars off of the previous sale price!
For More Information or to purchase, visit this link
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(DLPA) DL-Phenylalanine
I recommend (DLPA) DL-Phenylalanine to block pain naturally.
This is a combination of the D and L form of the amino acid Phenylalanine.
This form of phenylalanine acts as a natural pain reliever. DL-
Phenylalanine blocks the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of
endorphins and enkephlins. Endorphins and enkephlins are a group of
substances within the body that helps relieve pain. Endorphins are
actually far more powerful than the drug known as morphine. Small cells
throughout the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, and nerve endings are
able to produce these morphine-like proteins.
Normally it's already marked down to $32. Now, it's on sale for $24.99.
Seven more dollars off of the previous sale price!
For more Information or to purchase, visit this link
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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PAIN CONTROL
As I said, I've been warning people about problems of long term use of
NSAIDs for years. The following information comes from my past newsletters
and from my patients self-help manual.
NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs) ? Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra,
ETC.
NSAIDs can be helpful especially when used for inflammation that comes
from traumatic injuries (sprains, strains, accidents, etc.). They can be
effective in relieving pain and inflammation associated with chronic pain
syndromes including all forms of arthritis and for some who suffer from
FMS. However, long term use of these medications can cause a host of
unwanted side effects. None of these medications actually correct the
cause of pain. In fact they can accelerate joint destruction and cause
intestinal permeability (which leads to more inflammation).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Bextra, Mobic,
Ibuprofen, Daypro, Naprosyn, Celebrex, and Vioxx can cause intestinal
permeability. They cover up the symptoms but do not address the cause, and
they can actually cause further joint destruction.
Ref: Shield MJ. Anti-inflammatory drugs and their effects on cartilage
synthesis and renal function. Eur J Rheumatol Inflam 1993; 13:7-16.
NSAIDs actually increase the acceleration of osteoarthritis and increased
joint destruction.
Ref: Brooks PM, Potter SR, Buchanana WW. NSAID and osteoarthritis help or
hindrance. J Rheum 1982; 9: 3-5.
NSAIDs CAUSES 10,000-20,000 DEATHS A YEAR
A person taking NSAIDS is seven times more likely to be hospitalized for
gastrointestinal adverse effects. The FDA estimates that 200,000 cases
gastric bleeding annually and that this leads to 10,000 to 20,000 deaths
each year.
Ref: Drs. Peter M. Brooks and Richard O. Day, New England Journal of
Medicine, 1991; 324(24):1716-25
CELEBREX AND BEXTRA DON'T PROTECT THE STOMACH
Studies show that only Vioxx is less damaging to the stomach; Celebrex and
Bextra are not. This is one of the dirty little secrets that never got out
about Pfizer?s two block-buster drugs; they?re no safer than older
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
NSAIDs can cause high blood pressure. In one study, 41% of those who had
recently started on medication to lower their blood pressure were also
taking NSAIDs. NSAIDs more than double a person?s risk of developing high
blood pressure.
If you would like to read a more detailed report on my ideas about pain
control, visit the link below. You'll also find a link to a CD of me
talking about pain control.
For more information about Natural Pain Control Methods, click here
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Regular August Website Specials
During the entire month of August I have a special price on my COMPLETE
Multivitamin and Mineral Formula and my Children's Chewable Multivitamin
and Mineral Formula.
Click here to see the August Specials
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Thanks for taking the time to read this news alert. I will try to keep
you updated on important health issues through my free monthly newsletter
and these "alerts." I want to keep you informed and give you some natural
alternatives to expensive drugs with adverse side effects. Please forward
this message to your friends and loved ones using the form below. You may
add more than one address by placing a comma between each one.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Rodger Murphree
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