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Backus rheumatologist offers painkiller advice

NORWICH – Now that the Food and Drug Administration has taken Bextra off the market and has ordered warning labels to be placed on common pain relievers such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen, there may be some confusion about safe medication use.
Dr. Sandeep Varma, a rheumatologist at the Backus Outpatient Care Center in Norwich, said it is important that patients talk with their doctors about what is right for them.
He said drug marketing has led to consumers using more drugs overall, which has resulted in new information about side effects. But he said most drugs have some side effects, and it must be determined if the benefits of drugs that remain on the market outweigh the risks.
“While these medicines can cause some harm, they can help pain and improve quality of life if used judiciously,” Dr. Varma said.
Dr. Varma offers these tips to patients:

• Use painkillers only when necessary.
• Avoid long term use of any one type of painkiller.
• Monitor side effects closely, and in concert with a physician.
• Utilize multiple treatment options.
• Live a healthy lifestyle. Simply taking pills isn’t the answer.