STUMBLE UPON

Merck's Newest Pain-Killing Alternative to Vioxx

With the number of Vioxx lawsuits -- and courtoom defeats -- climbing, Merck may be setting the stage to pay for them, crowing about the "positive results" of Arcoxia, another worthless painkiller they hope the FDA will approve very soon.
Based on three clinical trials encompassing some 34,000 patients, the Arcoxia's reduced risk of heart problems were similar to those Voltaren (diclofenac) and it caused fewer stomach problems too.
But that doesn't mean Arcoxia is a risk-free drug (an oxymoron if there ever was one) either. Some patients suffered congestive heart failure while taking Arcoxia, and others stopped using it altogether, complaining of high blood pressure. What's more, Merck has kept a tight control on the data and has yet to submit their study to any external review board.
The few details Merck has released may have been enough to whet the appetites of Wall Street for a little while, but not nearly enough to satisfy medical experts including the American College of Cardiology that called the findings a very carefully crafted press release.
When it comes to treating your pain, are you willing to take a chance on a drug -- sold behind the counter or in front of it -- that can cripple or kill you? Following the Total Health Program, while paying special attention to rebalancing your intake of omega-3 fats, can radically reduce your need for any anti-inflammatory drug.

New York Times August 24, 2006 Registration Required
Amherst Times August 24, 2006
Forbes.com August 23, 2006