Fibromyalgia:

FibromyalgiaThe Problems with Prescription Drug Treatment: The need to utilize alternatives

Fibromyalgia diagnosis is increasing

(McLean, 2005)

Mclean

Why?Has Prescription Drug Use in fibromyalgia Patients become a ProblemDiagnosis is difficultPhysicians awareness of alternativesPharmaceutical companies promoteAdverse side effects

The problem with The DiagnosisCharacterized by 11/18 major tender points

Mimicking conditions=Multiple Tests

No known cure

Treatment involves managing symptomsMcLean, 2005)

Patients trust their doctors(Teitelbaum, 2006) Prescriptions based on initial complaintPhysicians and research = The Gap (Saperia & Swartzman, 2012)Lack of referrals

The problem withThe Physicians

The problem with Pharmaceutical CompaniesVisit physician's officeAttractive staffBring free samplesEasy for physicians(Johar, K., 2013)

Fibromyalgia medications(Arnold et al., 2012)Fibromyalgia medications include: LYRICA Pfizer Rx CYMBALTA Lilly Rx SAVELLA Forest and Cypress Rx

Adverse Side EffectsOutweigh benefits(Roskell, et al., 2011)

May lead to further health problems(Bergman , 2005)

Prescription Drugs and the RisksSerious side effectsDrug dependenceBirth defectsMonetary effects

Patients become frustrated and often discontinue use due to adverse side affects (Huser, et al., 2012)

Side EffectsLyricas side effects include muscle aches (Phizer, 2013)

Limited information on long-term side effects (Traynor et al., 2011)

More effective = More side effects

Drug DependenceNarcotics to treat the pain (Saperia et al., 2012)30% of fibromyalgia patients use prescription opiods (Fitzcharles et al., 2013)

Birth Defects2/3 women take medications during pregnancy(National Birth Defects Prevention Month, 2012)

MiscarriageMalformationsNeonatal toxicity or withdrawalLow birth weightFunctional abnormalities (Alwan & Friedman, 2009)

Women of all ages need to advocate for themselves for different options

Monetary EffectsCreate a financial burden for the sufferer (Burke et al., 2012)Burden on the familyExpense 3X higher (Traynor et. al., 2011)

Low productivityLoss of employment

Alternatives to Prescription DrugsImportant but rarely utilized interventions (McLean, 2005, p.663).

Move away from traditional prescription drug treatment

Diet and SupplementsVegetarian or vegan dietBlue-green algaeSAMeSuper Malic (Burckhardt, 2004)

Magnesium supplements (Bagis et al., 2013)

Cognitive Therapy

Coping skills for the illnessStress managementDistractionRelaxation techniquesEqually effective

(Saperia, et al., 2012)

Exercise Programs

Regular aerobic exercise (Fitzcharles et al., 2013)

Aquatic exercise therapy

20 minutes three times per week for adults(Lima, et al., 2013)

Yoga(da Silva et al., 2007)

Physical TherapyDirected towards trigger points

Myofascial release techniques

Stretching

(Donnelly, 2002)

Acupuncture & Trigger Point Injections

Acupuncture on the trigger points 50% improvement in overall pain

Various solutions(Minty et al., 2007)

(Chou, 2008)

Alternatives to Prescription Drugs

Dietary changes & supplements

Cognitive therapy

Individual exercise programs

Physical therapy

Acupuncture & trigger point injections

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