A decision has been made on the status of Darvocet -- a pain medication used by arthritis patients and others who live with chronic pain. The FDA has decided to allow propoxyphene-containing products like Darvon and Darvocet to stay on the market. The regulatory agency is requiring manufacturers to strengthen their label though -- including a boxed warning and a medication guide to be given to patients that will emphasize the potential for fatal overdose and the importance of using propoxyphene-containing drugs as directed.

The FDA is also requiring a safety study that will assess the effects of propoxyphene on the heart when taken at higher than recommended doses. The FDA is leaving the door open to take further action, if necessary, based on the results of that study and other data. The FDA plans to work with several groups to study how often elderly patients are prescribed propoxyphene rather than other pain medications. They will also further evaluate safety profiles of propoxyphene compared to other pain medications.

For now, the FDA has concluded the benefits of pain relief, when taken at recommended doses, outweigh the risks. The FDA also denied a petition from Public Citizen that requested a phased withdrawal of propoxyphene. The opioid drug has been marketed for over 50 years and as it stands now -- it's staying. If you depend on the drug to manage your pain and if you were concerned about the FDA's decision, this news will come as a relief. Share your comments.

Related Resources:

• Darvocet - 10 Things You Should Know
• The Facts of Analgesics (Painkillers)
• Is Darvocet Really Dangerous?
• FDA Advisory Panel Narrowly Recommended Darvocet Ban

_{Photo © Gold Standard}

Treatment with TNF blockers has been associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) -- mostly due to reactivation of a latent TB infection. TNF blockers are a treatment option for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

A French study, published in the July 2009 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, looked at possible differences among three TNF blockers (Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira) in terms of TB risk. Researchers set up a national registry in France to find all cases of TB that occurred over a 3-year period among patients given a TNF blocker for any indication. They found 69 cases of TB and assessed their history before and after being given the TNF blocker.

Researchers found that the risk of TB was higher among patients receiving monoclonal TNF blockers (Remicade and Humira) compared to those receiving a soluble TNF blocker (Enbrel). The risk was higher during the first year of treatment also -- suggestive of reactivation of latent TB. Two-thirds of the patients who developed TB had negative skin tests initially. Though the mechanism was not fully understood by researchers, they felt the way specific T helper cells and T regulatory cells (immune cells) are affected by the two types of TNF blockers may explain the difference in risk of TB.

Related Resources:

• TNF-alpha Blockers - What You Need to Know
• What Is a Monoclonal Antibody?
• The Facts of Enbrel
• The Facts of Remicade
• The Facts of Humira

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo © A.D.A.M.}

Velcro shoes are easy to put on and take off. That's important for people who have physical limitations that make it hard to bend or reach their feet. People with arthritis look for shoes that are easy to manage and supportive for their feet -- without completely forgoing style.

Velcro shoes are no longer just ugly orthopedic shoes. There are several shoemakers that make velcro shoes that look sporty -- a perfect match for casual attire. You will never need another pair of shoe strings again! I've had several pairs of velcro shoes over the years. Consider some of your options in Velcro Shoes for Women.

Related Resources:

• What Is a Sock Aid?
• Arthritis Bra - Women's Specialty Clothing
• Dressing Aids for Arthritis Patients
• Arthritis Gloves Reduce Hand Pain and Swelling

_{Photo © Pricegrabber}

A panel of 37 FDA experts convened and recommended several changes to ensure the safe use of acetaminophen, the popular arthritis pain reliever known also by its brand name, Tylenol. The concern stems from a high number of acetaminophen overdoses. Too much acetaminophen can result in liver failure and death.

Experts voted 21-16 to reduce the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen from the current 4 grams/day. They also recommended lowering the maximum single dose from 1000 mg to 650 mg. The possibility of eliminating certain combination painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin also was proposed. Such drugs contain acetaminophen plus another active ingredient to control pain.

If combination products are not eliminated, they could instead carry a black box warning (the strongest warning issued by the FDA) or the level of acetaminophen in them could be reduced. If the combination painkillers are eliminated, their ingredients still could be sold separately. Pulling cough and cold medicines that contain acetaminophen off the market was also considered -- but was not recommended. While the FDA is not required to follow recommendations of the advisory committee, it usually does. No date was given regarding when final decisions will be made.

Related Resources:

• Acetaminophen - 10 Things You Should Know
• Cumulative Effect of Acetaminophen
• The Facts of Analgesics (Painkillers)
• What Is Extra Strength Tylenol?
• What Is Tylenol Arthritis Pain?

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Diane Diederich (iStockphoto)}

Research suggests that people who have gum disease and also have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis benefit from having their dental problems addressed. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients who received conservative treatment for their gum disease had reduced disease activity compared with patients not receiving treatment for their gum disease.

The improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms was attributed to the elimination of infection and inflammation in the gums. Starting with childhood, you have been taught to take care of your teeth. Everyone knows about the importance of having regular dental check-ups. Learn more about the extra emphasis on dental care for rheumatoid arthritis patients in Treating Gum Disease Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Dry Mouth
• What Causes and Heals Mouth Sores?
• Oral Health Should Not Be Neglected by Arthritis Patients
• Electric Toothbrushes Improve Oral Health
• Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients More Prone to Gum Disease?

Share Your Advice and Experiences:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Marcin Balcerzak (iStockphoto)}

The unexpected death of Michael Jackson has caused a whirlwind of attention. People are clamoring for his music -- others are interested in his medical history. Numerous rumors and conflicting reports have circulated over the years with regard to Michael Jackson's health. It was widely reported that he had lupus -- but it was also reportedly in remission. Still other reports purported the lupus story was a lie. Sorting out fact from fiction hasn't been easy. An article in the June 27, 2009 Chicago Sun-Times took on some of the zany claims about Michael Jackson. The lupus connection is listed as a fact.

No medical malady was related to the cause of death in the initial offering from his autopsy. Attention quickly turned to his use of pain medications and what the toxicology report might show. People will continue to speculate as the sad final chapter of his life unfolds. He was an international mega-star and the mega-story will not end anytime soon.

Related Resources:

• Lupus Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Lupus
• 10 Things You Should Know About Lupus
• The Facts of Analgesics (Painkillers)
• Safe Dose of Pain Medicine - Same for You and Me?

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Dave Hogan / Getty Images Entertainment}

Tai chi is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine. It is sometimes referred to as moving meditation. When you practice tai chi, you move your body slowly, gently, with awareness, and with deep breathing, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Tai chi has been recognized for its health benefits. According to a study in June 15, 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, tai chi can be modestly beneficial for people with various types of arthritis. Learn more about the history of tai chi, the increasing popularity of tai chi, and how you can get started in Tai Chi - What Arthritis Patients Need to Know.

Related Resources:

• Exercise Is Essential Treatment for Arthritis
• 6 Reasons Arthritis Patients Should Exercise
• Over One-Third of Arthritis Patients Get No Exercise
• Tai Chi Is Effective Treatment for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
• More About Tai Chi and Arthritis

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Suprijono Suharjoto (iStockphoto)}

If you live with arthritis, you can vouch for what I'm about to say. You wake up in pain, have to get ready for work, perhaps get the kids ready for school or a drop-off at the baby-sitter, travel to your job, put in a full day, come home and make sure all matters at home are taken care of -- cooking, laundry, bills paid, house cleaned, yardwork. I'm sure I don't need to go on -- you get the picture. The mundane parts of daily life can consume you. Your disease can consume you. Put the two together -- well, consider yourself consumed!

Not much fun to always feel consumed, spent, and exhausted. Not only is it not much fun -- when you become worn out to that extent, it's hard to see the forest for the trees. Instead of feel engaged and effective in your daily activities -- it's drudgery with a capital D. There is a better way, but it takes conscious effort. Find out how in Striking a Balance With Arthritis.

Related Resources:

• Do You Hate Having Arthritis?
• Do You Pace Your Activities?
• Are You a Housekeeping Failure?
• The Ups and Downs of Living With Arthritis
• 10 Ways to Improve Your Life With Arthritis

Share Your Advice and Experiences:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Zennie (iStockphoto)}

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who fail to respond to an initial course of treatment with rituximab can be successfully treated with a second course of the drug after 6 months. According to study results presented at EULAR, the annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, 72% of rheumatoid arthritis patients responded well to a second course of rituximab -- some even achieved remission for a year or more.

Using a technique referred to as highly sensitive flow cytometry, researchers were able to measure the number of B cells that remain in the system of someone treated with rituximab. The drug works by depleting B cells in the body. The technique showed that almost all patients who failed to respond to the first course of rituximab had incomplete B cell depletion. They also had higher numbers of certain types of B cells before treatment. About a third of patients fail to respond with the first course of rituximab.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Rituxan
• What Is a Monoclonal Antibody?
• FDA Warns Rituxan Patients About PML
• Are Some Patients Unsuitable Candidates for Biologic Drugs?

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Robert Byron (iStockphoto)}

The severity of your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may depend on when you got the disease. It's a very interesting concept that has been presented at the annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). According to researchers, rheumatoid arthritis patients whose initial symptoms developed in the winter were found to have more severe erosion and joint space narrowing (indicative of cartilage loss) at 6 months than patients whose symptoms first appeared in the summer. After 6 months, patients were found to have more severe rheumatoid arthritis if their initial symptoms occurred in the winter or in the spring compared to those who developed the disease in autumn. The seasonal effect was not observed at a 12-month follow-up though.

Researchers suggested the effect of seasonal onset early on may be due to environmental factors such as winter viruses or vitamin D deficiency that influence "protein citrullination". Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies are often detected in the immune systems of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Makes you stop and think back to when your own symptoms first appeared. In my case -- it was September -- so kind of end of summer, going into autumn. My symptoms were quite severe. So, I'm not fitting into these findings perfectly. It will be interesting to hear when your symptoms first started and how severe your intial symptoms were, as well as the evidence of joint damage on x-rays. Go to our forum and share your story.

Related Resources:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Test Your Knowledge - Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - 10 Things You Should Know
• Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Early Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Recommended

Share Your Experience:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Rhienna Cutler (iStockphoto)}