Fibromyalgia: Medical Treatment

There is no known medical cure for Fibromyalgia — the only treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, although most experts agree that medicine has a very limited effectiveness.

“There is little evidence that we can treat Fibromyalgia patients effectively with drugs. A recent study of patients with long-standing Fibromyalgia demonstrates that expensive medical care does not result in symptom improvement or better function.”

Frederick Wolfe, MD

“All drugs damage the body if taken over a period of years.”

Coping With Fibromyalgia

“The medications used to treat pain and inflammation for most rheumatic disorders is not of great help in Fibromyalgia. Aspirin and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Ibuprofen, do little to reduce pain. Even more powerful drugs such as corticosteroids do not seem to help the pain, stiffness, and fatigue of Fibromyalgia.”

NATIONAL ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

Drugs that are given include a variety of over-the-counter and prescription pain killers, tricyclic antidepressants, and tender point injections, each of which comes with an assortment of adverse reactions, and long-term damage to the body.

Ibuprofen, which includes products such as Advil, Motrin and Nuprin, has been a leading cause of kidney damage. As many as 20% of the 125,000 cases of kidney damage are the direct result of Ibuprofen.

Tricyclic anti-depressants known by brand names such as Elavil and Sinequan produce side effects of drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, and weight gain.

The use of acetaminophen, sold under brand names such as Tylenol and Anacin 3, has been associated with digestive orders and kidney disease.

Between 30-40% of all hospital admissions for bleeding ulcers are caused by aspirin”

Aspirin is a leading cause of peptic ulcers, kidney disease, Reye’s syndrome in children, and is responsible for several thousand deaths in the United States each year.