With the June 30, 2009 vote by the Federal Drug Administration advisory committee to eliminate prescription acetaminophen-combination painkillers, Fibromyalgia patients have to be concerned. Concerns of abuse, addiction, and even cases of death, led to their recommendation to ban prescription painkillers like vicodin and percocet. The committee also voted to lower the maximum dose of over-the-counter painkillers with acetaminophen, like Tylenol and Excedrin, due to a rise in cases of liver damage. According to the FDA, acetaminophen remains the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. It … [Read more...]
Do You Hate the Lyrica Commercials as Much as I Do?
Every time a commercial for Lyrica comes on I cringe, and then I quickly change the channel. I have not seen a single commercial to which I could actually relate to the actor trying to pass themselves off as a Fibromyalgia patient and sufferer. They irritate me to no end, and yes I have considered that it is possibly because I choose to be drug free, and I have made no secret about my disdain for drug companies, but mostly I think it is because the actors and the commercials are not true representations of a person living with Fibromyalgia. Take the latest ad for example: Lady walking … [Read more...]
Current Psychiatry “Gets” Fibromyalgia
I read this article today in Current Psychiatry online magazine. It is a peer-reviewed magazine, meaning the articles are written for and to other psychiatrists. So reading it was kind of like listening in on their private conversation about Fibromyalgia - I didn't understand some of the technical terms used, but it was enlightening to read how the psychiatric world views Fibromyalgia and patients diagnosed with it. I have to say, I think they get it! At the very least the doctor who wrote the article does. Sharon B. Stanford, MD is the Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family … [Read more...]
Hospital Chief of Acute Pain Fabricated Medical Studies on Lyrica
It is tragic the lengths medical professionals will go to to continue receiving funding from big pharmaceutical companies. This story demonstrates the corruption in the medical community which stems from pharmaceutical companies having too much influence and political power. Of course it was the unethical practice of Dr. Reuben that is featured in this story, but he is just a symptom of a much larger problem - not that I am excusing his behavior in any way. Here is the article from the Wall Street Journal's Health Blog. By Sarah Rubenstein We’ve followed plenty of controversies around … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia Presents a Real and Significant Market Opportunity
Pardon me while I step upon my soapbox again. Excuse me while I clear my throat and take a sip of water. Give me just one moment to arrange my notes and organize my thoughts. Now please, stand back if you do not want to feel any of the vile comments I am about to spew forth. Here goes. I HATE DRUG COMPANIES! I hate that their sole purpose is to profit off the needs and health concerns of the public. I hate that they view every illness as an opportunity to line their pockets. I hate that they perpetuate a culture of sickness by treating symptoms and not caring to find a cure. Why would they … [Read more...]