Vioxx Alternatives

Vioxx is a COX-2 inhibitor that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999. Vioxx was developed to help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis, but was voluntarily recalled by the makers of Vioxx in 2004 because it was shown to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Since Vioxx has been taken off the market, osteoarthritis sufferers are left wondering where they'll get their pain relief. There are other COX-2 inhibitors on the market, such as Celebrex, that can reduce pain and inflammation but the recent scare with Vioxx has left some people wary of COX-2 inhibitors altogether. Some consumers are looking to more natural means of pain and inflammation relief.

Natural Alternatives

There are several herbal remedies available to consumers now that are said to help reduce inflammation. Herbs like scutellaria, green tea, oregano and turmeric are all believed to relieve inflammation without the serious side effects that come from Vioxx-like medicines. If you chose a natural alternative to combat inflammation, always speak with your doctor to make sure there won't be any conflicts with any other medication you might be taking.

Exercise and weight loss can be great inflammation fighters. Although exercising can cause great pain to arthritis sufferers, the benefits can soon outweigh the drawbacks. By exercising regularly, you will strengthen bones and joints, which will decrease pain in the long run. Being dormant and/or overweight will exacerbate your arthritis, so adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen will provide some relief.