Concern Over Drugs for Arthritis Sufferers

Arthritis patients are being left in the dark amid concerns over pain-killing drugs.

Last year the arthritis drug Vioxx – part of a group known as Cox- 2 inhibitors – was withdrawn on safety grounds after being linked with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

But safety fears have also been raised about other painkillers used to treat patients suffering the pain of arthritis.

Many patients may have been switched to these treatments after the withdrawal of Vioxx.

Now a report by charity Arthritis Care has found that many patients have not yet been to discuss their medication with their doctor.

A survey of more than 1,000 people with osteoarthritis found that only four out of 10 people were happy with their current medication.

Around 8.5 million people in the UK have osteoarthritis, with 2.5 million receiving prescription drugs for the pain.

Arthritis Care called on GPs to set a target to complete medication reviews for people with osteoarthritis within six months. But it said that under current guidance, patients might have to wait more than a year for a review of their condition and drugs.

The survey found that only three out of 10 patients taking medicines for osteoarthritis had had a recent opportunity to discuss their medications with their GP.

Most of these patients had to arrange the appointment themselves.

The research found that 40 per cent of those who had seen their GP were now on different medication.

Neil Betteridge, chief executive of Arthritis Care, said: “Deciding on the right medication isn’t black or white, it’s a balance of benefits and risks, which vary between individuals