Prescription paranoia: to fill it, or not to fill it.

[Cuban_Liberal]

Paddy's doctor just gave him a prescription for Relafen@ to use in treating his arthritis. Seeing as how his last two 'scrips were for Vioxx and Celebrex, we're both just a WEE BIT paranoid about this new one. To her credit, when Paddy asked the doctor if it was safe, she said "I only know what's reported, but on the basis of what's been reported, I'd say 'yes'."

He's been taking ibuprofen, but the relief isn't entirely satisfactory, so he's really unsure about what to do, as am I. Does or has anyone here actually use/used this stuff, and if so, what did you think about it? Just to be clear, I'm not asking for medical advice on treating arthritis or a dissertation on the dangers of NSAIDs, but just for some personal experiences with this stuff.

Thanks!

:hi:

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Well, it's not in the same class as Vioxx or Celebrex.

It's an NSAID, but it's not a COX-II inhibitor like the other two.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. Relafin has been around for years

One test of a med is how long it's been on the market. all NSIAD's have some risk of bleeds, but the issue with Vioxx and Celebrex was hypertensive bleeds...not the same issue.

He should be fine taking it.

[Cuban_Liberal]

4. That's what she said.

She said that she personally considered it safe. Thanks for the supporting evidence.

:)

[Midlodemocrat]

6. I concur with LV

Relafen is not a Cox -2. Hopefully, Paddy will get some relief from it.

[Cuban_Liberal]

8. Cool.

I'm feeling better about this new med.

:)

[KitchenWitch]

7. I took it years ago

It was the only non-narcotic drug that worked for the inflammation/pain in my artificial hip.

Had no ill effects!

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. Nice to know.

Thanks for the info.

:)

[Left Is Write]

3. I have no idea, and have not heard of the drug, but

I just wanted to say I hope he gets the relief he needs, whether with this drug or another.

[Cuban_Liberal]

5. The ibuprofen upsets his stomach, too.

That's another factor in favor of trying this stuff--- apparently it has few gastrointestinal side efects.

[Nicole]

10. I have been taking it for 10 years

No problems at all.

I quit taking Relafen when Celebrex was hailed as the newer, better drug. I thought it sounded like it would make me feel better. The only difference I could tell between the two was the price. Celebrex was WAY more costly. After my 3 month scrip of Celebrex ran out I went back on Relafen.

That was 4 years ago.

[Cuban_Liberal]

11. Whew! Relief setttling in.

Thanks!

:)

[blondeatlast]

12. I know what you are going through. I've started telling my doctors

(all 6 of them) that I would much prefer that if they must prescribe, that they prescribe something that's been around at least 5 years, preferably much longer.

Many of my friends think I'm outta my mind, but I don't trust the FDA anymore, not at all.

Another thing I learned from my pharmacist sister--see if the same thing (generic name) is available in Canada. If it isn't, proceed with caution!

[Sgent]

13. Relafen

Is available as a generic -- that's how long it has been around.

It is also has one of the lowest side effect profiles -- especially of stomach problems, of any of the NSAIDS. In some ways, it is actually better than the Cox-2's in this respect.

That being said, it is in the same class of drugs as Naproxen (alieve), Aspirin, Motrin, etc.

[Padraig18]

14. Thanks!

I'm going to get the 'scrip filled and start taking it, ater reading this thread. This info has been very reassuring.

:)

[Pithlet]

15. Hope you feel better, soon.

:hug: