by William Guilmette

Created on: October 08, 2008

Millions of people suffer from arthritis and take prescription medicines to reduce pain and inflammation. Some of the more popular prescription medicines are Celebrex and Rituxan. Both medicines treat the symptoms of arthritis fairly well. A careful examination of the warning labels, however, reveals the serious side effects and possible harm to the body from taking these. Arthritis suffers need to look for alternative medicines that will not harm the body. Herbal remedies and a concoction of golden raisins soaked in gin (yes, gin) are options to consider.

To understand the need for alternative medicine, we need to examine the labels of traditional arthritis medicines to get an idea of the possible side effects. Celebrex is a NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This relieves pain and stiffness, and reduces inflammation. It has been very effective in relieving arthritic symptoms. The side effects, however, are numerous and not worth the trade-off for the relief it provides. The prescribing information packaged with the medicine indicates possible side effects include an increased risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and strokes. An increased risk of severe gastrointestinal events such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach also exists.

Rituxan is for more severe arthritic conditions but still have potentially deadly side effects. Packaging information indicates this drug reduces the pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Possible side effects include Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare brain infection that usually causes death or severe disability, heart problems, infections, stomach and bowel problems, and Tumor Lysis Syndrome (can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment.) Severe skin reactions and a reactivation of Hepatitis B virus (in those previously diagnosed with Hepatitis B) are also possible life threatening side effects. There is no doubt Celebrex and Rituxan relieves the symptoms of arthritis. The concern is a matter of weighing the benefits against the risks.

Herbal medicine, oriental medicine, and Ayurveda remedies are non-traditional remedies for arthritis. Herbs have been used to treat arthritis for many centuries. Today's society, however, is still ignorant about the benefits of herbal medicine. Many arthritis sufferers familiar with herbology are reluctant to try alternative medicines because the FDA and most "traditional" doctors

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