Negative Vioxx Study Results Finally Revealed

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Negative Vioxx Study Results Finally Revealed

 

 

he New England Journal of Medicine has revealed in an editorial that

Vioxx manufacturer Merck & Co. concealed heart attacks suffered by

three patients during a clinical study of the painkiller published in

the NEJM in 2000.

 

The editorial, written by the journal's editor in chief, executive

editor, and a third doctor, also alleges that Merck deleted other

relevant data before submitting their article for publication.

 

The study in question has been a key part of testimony in the product

liability trials over the drug.

 

The journals editors said they discovered the apparent deletions as

part of preparations for a deposition in connection with the Vioxx

lawsuits. When they reviewed the study, they found that the printed

copy of the study and the version submitted on a disk didn't match:

The negative cardiovascular data had been deleted from the paper copy

the Journal used.

 

Merck faces roughly 7,000 lawsuits over Vioxx.

 

New England Journal of Medicine December 8, 2005 Free Full PDF Report

 

MSNBC December 8, 2005

 

The Street December 9, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

This joins the latest Vioxx cover-up recently revealed in a Houston

court as yet another example dishonest and deceptive behavior on the

part of Merck. Now it becomes evident that Merck further soft-pedaled

the drug's toxic cardiovascular side effects by meddling with the data

of their infamous VIOXX Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research (VIGOR) study.

 

What's more, one of the authors of that study was the same Merck

executive who testified in federal court earlier this week her company

wasn't hiding anything about Vioxx. Not surprisingly, this latest

revelation also pushed attorneys for the widow of Richard Irvin to

seek a mistrial. Please look at Tuesday's lead story for more details.

 

Fortunately there are alternatives to using NSAIDs or over-the-counter

painkillers. If you're looking for safer ways to treat your pain

without the risks, I urge you to review my seven safe alternatives:

 

Ginger: This herb is anti-inflammatory and offers pain relief and

stomach-settling properties. Fresh ginger works well steeped in

boiling water as a tea or grated into vegetable juice.

 

Boswellia: Also known as boswellin or " Indian frankincense, " this herb

contains specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients. This is one of

my personal favorites as I have seen it work well with many of my

rheumatoid arthritis patients

 

Fish Oils: The omega-3 fats EPA and DHA found in fish oil have been

found, by many animal and clinical studies, to have anti-inflammatory

properties that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication.

 

Animal based omega-3 fats are absolutely essential for any

comprehensive anti-inflammatory program. They form the precursors to

the molecules that actually produce or inhibit inflammation in your

body (prostaglandins). Those of you who read the newsletter regularly

know that I'm a fan of Carlson's brand fish oil and cod liver oil as I

have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who

use it. It has shown particularly positive benefits in those with

rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Bromelain: This enzyme, found in pineapples, is a natural

anti-inflammatory. It can be taken in supplement form, but eating

fresh pineapple may also be helpful.

 

Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO): This oil, found in fish and dairy butter,

acts as a " joint lubricant " and an anti-inflammatory. The delicious

raw butter we carry from organic pastures contains " Wulzen

anti-stiffness factor. " This factor has been found to be highly

effective in reversing arthritis and protects against calcification of

joints. I have also used this for myself to relieve ganglion cysts and

a mild annoying carpal tunnel syndrome that pops up when I type too

much on non-ergonomic keyboards. I used a topical preparation for this.

 

Evening Primrose, Black Currant and Borage Oils: These contain the

essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is useful for

treating arthritic pain. These are the exception to omega-6 fats that

are necessary to have in your diet. It is reasonable for many to take

these as a supplement, particularly if you struggle with dry skin in

the winter, as this is a strong indicator that you are deficient in

these fats

 

I personally prefer the use of GLA supplements from evening primrose

oil but borage oil contains a higher concentration of GLA, which means

you need fewer capsules, and it tends to be less expensive.

 

Cayenne Cream: Also called capsaicin cream, this spice comes from

dried hot peppers. It alleviates pain by depleting the body's supply

of substance P, a chemical component of nerve cells that transmits

pain signals to the brain.

 

Related Articles:

 

$30 Billion Vioxx Recall -- The Dangers, Powerful Lessons & Safe

Alternatives that Everyone Must Know

 

Vioxx Increases Heart Attacks 50 Percent: FDA Study

 

Thousands of Vioxx Lawsuits Coming Down the Pipes