Alternatives Are Available To A Once-Popular Vioxx (NAPSA)—There’s good news for those who are concerned about the recent decision to remove a popular drug from the market. se . A voluntary withdrawal of the drug Vioxx from the U.S. market due to safety concerns was announced by the manufacturer earlier this year. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), patients who have taken Vioxx should contact their physician for guidance regarding dis- continuation and alternative therapies. There is a wide range of alternative therapies available. For instance, some experts suggest saunas, hot tubs, warm baths, moderate exercise and stretching are helpful because they improve blood flow. Still others encourage consumers to explore nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, whichis said to improve joint func- tion and reduce pain, or fish oil with Omega-3 fatty acids, which is said to fight inflammation. The FDA is advising con- sumers who are taking the drug to talk to their doctor about stop- ping their use of the drug. They may also want to seek a doctor’s opinion about other medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen as an alternative to Vioxx. Any deci- Consumers whosuffered stroke or heart attack and were taking Vioxx can get help at www.vioxxinfo.us or 800-793-3490. sion about which drug productto take should be made by the patient in consultation with the patient’s physician. For those who want to pursue legal remedies, there are alterna- tives as well. A Web site has been established that provides information and alternatives and will offer a consumer an opportunity to speak with an attorney to discuss legal options. Those who took Vioxx and suffered a stroke or heart attack may very well have legal claims. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.vioxxinfo.us or call 800-793-3490.
