Drug warning upsets sufferers

Arthritis New Zealand opposes Medsafe's official warning against popular popular anti-inflammatory drugs such as Vioxx and Celebrex.

President Kate Thompson, herself an arthritis sufferer, says people should be able to make informed choices about the risks and benefits.

"Some people, like me, don't have any other drug alternatives. This is very difficult.

"People should have the ability to make an informed choice as long as they have consulted their doctor or specialist and are given the information as it relates to them personally regarding complications."

Ms Thompson said the possible side-effects of some arthritis drugs could be quite severe, but people should be able to weigh up what quality of life was best for them.

She was cautious about recommending treatment alternatives, saying there was a lack of quality assurance of ingredients for some products.

Wellington nurse Helen Young, who also practises acupuncture, is enthusiastic about the traditional Chinese method as treatment for arthritis.

She believes more people will look to natural therapies for pain relief from arthritis.

She concedes it takes longer to work on older people than younger people and may take a month for benefits to show, but says acupuncture has long been used as treatment for arthritis with success.

Since Medsafe's announcement the Malaghan Institute, an independent biomedical research facility in Wellington, has said the Arthritis Research Group will set up a clinical research programme. The programme will identify factors in the onset, duration and resolution of inflammation in arthritis attacks.

The study will profile the inflammatory response of healthy volunteers and arthritis patients after exposure to the causative agent in crystal-induced arthritis.

The group will use the research to try to develop anti-inflammatory agents from New Zealand biota, such as marine sponges.