What took them so long?
The feds have finally taken action against a common painkiller... and all it took was a five-decade killing spree.
The drug is propoxyphene, commonly sold as Darvon and Darvocet, and the FDA ban comes after a new study finds it can actually throw the heart off its rhythm.
That's not something that will hurt your appreciation of music. It's downright deadly--and the drug is believed to have killed thousands since its approval in 1957 as a result.
I don't know what's worse here: The idea that the feds have ignored this death risk for 53 years, or the idea that they simply never bothered to study it properly until now.
In either case, bear in mind that the risks found in the new study are for patients who take the drug exactly as prescribed and under "normal" circumstances.
Since propoxyphene is a highly addictive opioid drug, many take far too much, far too often.
Some have even been known to crush the pills and snort it like cocaine, or mix the powder with water and inject the solution, like heroin.
Who knows how many of those "highs" led to the ultimate low--or how many junkies started out as normal patients who just needed a little help dealing with chronic pain.
On the other hand, the drug has also been known to lead to weight loss--so maybe you'll see it back on the market in a few years under a new name.
That's not the only risky painkiller making headlines. Researchers say they believe ziconotide--a synthetic version of cone-snail venom--may be linked to an increased suicide risk.
Two patients who had no previous indication of suicidal thoughts considered suicide or tried to kill themselves after taking the med.
Sadly, one of them succeeded. The one who failed, on the other hand, stopped having suicidal thoughts when docs stopped the med, according to a report online in Pain.
While researchers say it'll take more study to prove a link, I can't help but wonder how many more patients will die in the meantime.
It's not exactly a safe med to begin with--it comes with a black box warning for severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment, and known side effects include abnormal thoughts, depression, amnesia and more.
We don't need new research on this one, and we certainly don't need to wait another 53 years for the FDA to act.
We need a new approach to pain.
Since the real solution to pain will depend on the cause, there's no one-size-fits-all formula. But here are a few natural alternatives that can help get you over the hump:
Fish oil: It's one of nature's strongest anti- inflammatories... and it doesn't come with any of the side effects of risky meds. Daily use of fish oil can minimize and even eliminate chronic pains caused by inflammation, including arthritis and joint pain.
White willow bark: It's quite literally the original aspirin, since the modern med is a synthetic version of this ancient remedy. Because it's so closely related, people with aspirin sensitivity shouldn't take it. For everyone else, it's a safer option.
Turmeric: This Indian spice used in curry has natural anti-inflammatory powers. And, as a bonus, it might even inhibit tumors.
Pain-relief lotions: For a topical treatment, look for a salve with comfrey root extract, emu oil or MSM.
Glucosamine: For arthritis pain, few things can beat this popular supplement.
In addition, millions of people have reported safe and effective pain relief through acupuncture, chiropractic care and even a gentle massage.
Talk to your doctor first to make sure these treatments don't conflict with anything you're currently taking. And if you're currently taking painkillers, find a safe way off them--before it's too late.
On a mission for your health,
Ed Martin
Editor, House Calls
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