News Release

Management of osteoarthritis pain

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Jitsu Public Relations

Management of osteoarthritis pain involves more than writing a prescription

A leading rheumatologist said today effective management of osteoarthritis pain involves much more than “picking up a prescription pad and pen.” Kenneth D. Brandt, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Head of the Rheumatology Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, said a comprehensive program involving non-pharmacologic (non-drug) and pharmacologic (drug) therapy is necessary to obtain maximal improvement in joint function, reduction in joint pain, and improvement in quality of life among people with osteoarthritis.

“If we assume that we can manage osteoarthritis pain by simply writing a prescription, we will often fail,” Dr. Brandt said. “Exercise to strengthen the muscles surrounding arthritic joints; weight loss, if the person is obese; and instruction in joint protection principles form the foundation for effective osteoarthritis management.”

Dr. Brandt noted within this comprehensive approach, over-the-counter acetaminophen may be the only drug required for the relief of joint pain.

Dr. Brandt’s comments come on the heels of the newly released “Recommendations for the Medical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee: 2000 Update” issued by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and published in the September issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The new ACR recommendations, like those issued in 1995, point out that “drug therapy for pain management is most effective when combined with non-pharmacologic strategies.” The ACR recommendation of acetaminophen as initial drug therapy for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis pain is based on the overall cost, effectiveness, and safety of acetaminophen.

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McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Tylenol, is a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies and is headquartered in Fort Washington, Pa. Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of healthcare products.

Note to editors: Dr. Brandt is available for interviews. Please contact him at 317-274-4225. B-roll television footage of Dr. Brandt’s comments can be obtained by calling Emily Allen at Medialink (212-682-8300).

“Recommendations for the Medical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee: 2000 Update” can be obtained at http://www.rheumatology.org follow the Rheumatology and Arthritis link to reach the article).


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