From The Olive Press
Treating Arthritis: OTC Supplements vs Prescription Medications
The Agony of Arthritis: OTC Supplements vs Prescription Medications
A survey conducted by Caravan Opinion Research among Orthopaedic Surgeons in the US shows they view “over-the-counter” (OTC) supplements as an effective alternative to prescription medications.
These specialists say an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment can be an effective alternative to prescription medication. According to new survey results unveiled of more than 250 orthopedic surgeons, 70 percent of those surveyed say they recommend OTCs most often as a first line treatment option to their patients with minor arthritis pain.
The survey was conducted to measure how recent news about the safety of pain relievers has affected the way orthopedic surgeons recommend medications for minor arthritis pain.
Orthopedic surgeons are specialists in the treatment of bone and joint disorders, including arthritis. The survey is a collaborative effort by colleagues at Florida Hospital, David D. Dore, M.D., Medical Director of The Joint Replacement Center at Celebration Health and James Rippe, M.D. of the hospital’s Rippe Lifestyle Institute.
“Given all the recent negative news, I think physicians are being more cautious about using prescription pain relievers that may increase their patients’ risk for serious health issues,” said Dr. Dore. Almost all (90 percent) specialists surveyed report that they have decreased their use of COX-2 prescription medications and increased their use of OTCs.
Among this group, 91 percent named easy dosing with fewer pills as a top reason they believe Aleve to be the most effective OTC pain medication while 81 percent named long-lasting relief as a top reason.
“I always tell my patients to start with an OTC medication and the results of the survey show that most orthopedic surgeons seem to agree,” said Dr. Rippe. “Furthermore, I think you’d find similar results among other specialists who treat people with arthritis. No matter what their specialty, doctors are looking for the same thing when recommending pain medication — efficacy and safety. Over-the-counter pain medications offer both.”
Significant Survey Findings
* Nearly all – 82 percent – of orthopaedic surgeons polled report that recent news about pain relievers has had an effect on the way they recommend pain medication for minor arthritis pain
* Based on experience, 97 percent of orthopaedic surgeons surveyed believe OTCs can be an effective alternative to prescription medication to treat minor arthritis pain
The Situation in Malaysia
Recent development shows that the situation in Malaysia is moving in the same direction. Orthopaedic Surgeons and Rheumatologist have started to recommend OTCs supplementation as a first line alternative treatment for the same reasons.
OLIVENOL livin’, a patented extract from olive juice has established itself as one of the top OTC product used in the treatment of arthritis in several private hospitals in Malaysia. OLIVENOL is one of the few natural OTC supplement with strong clinical findings demonstrating its efficacy in relieving arthritic pain and increasing mobility of affected joints.
In 2005, the Arizona State University conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of OLIVENOL™ on 100 patients aged from 55 to 75 years, suffering from Osteoarthritis (OA) & Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The trial employed a double blind placebo protocol where patients we not aware of what they were consuming.
The summary findings showed OLIVENOL™ made significant improvement in relieving pain, reducing inflammation and improving movement, as reported by both patient and physician. Click to download the full published report from >> HERE <<
Discuss With Your Doctor
The next time you consult your orthopaedic surgeon or rheumatologist, ask him about OLIVENOL as alternative treatment to your conditions. There is a growing group of medical specialists in Malaysia who are using OTC supplementation such as OLIVENOL™ livin’ as treatment for their arthritis patients. Both patients and doctors are happy with the results on this decision.
We are telling these untold stories to the public in conjunction with a 3-month National Arthritis Focus Campaign. If you have any questions on arthritis or the use of OLIVENOL as treatment for arthritis, direct them to us. Arthritis sufferers need to know there is a better alternative treatment available to them.
Help us spread the word, share any article on our site you find interesting with your FaceBook friends. You will be doing your friends a favour.
Tags: Agony of Arthritis, arthritis, facebook, hospitals, hydroxytyrosol, joints, medical, OA, olivenol, orthopaedic, RA, rheumatoid, treatment, untold stories
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21 comments to “Treating Arthritis: OTC Supplements vs Prescription Medications”
Comment #1
May 14th, 2009
Felix Arokianathan said
My wife has a problem with her feet. Everytime she down for a while and wakes up to walk, she will be limping. She has seen a doctor and taken x-ray as well as blood test. The doctor said that she may need to go for an operation. Apperently, she has a problem related to women who stand for long periods of time. She is currently taking Apple-Cider with honey but it has not been very helpful. Will Olivenol help?
Please disregard earlier entry.
What are the early symptoms of arthritis? My friend who is about 43 years old has been experiencing acute pain at the lower back portion of the hip for a very long time. He has taken many kinds of medication.Till today the problem still persist.
Comment #2
May 14th, 2009
admin said
Dear Felix
Without a complete medical examination, blood test results and your wife’s complete medical history, we are not able to determine the cause of her pain. Based on the IP number of your internet connection, i guess you live in the PJ/Subang area. If you stay in and around PJ/Subang, we can direct you to a few medical professionals who have experience prescribing OLIVENOL livin’ in clinical practise. They are the best to assess your wife’s situation. (Due to ethical consideration, I will not publish their name and hospitals on this blog, but shall email them to you privately).
The lower back pain you described of your friend, could be symptoms for a whole host of disease. Arthritis IS one of them. Again, without full examination, we are not in a position to diagnose. He should really consult a doctor about it. Direct him to the same doctor.
Having said that, if your friend is the type who is adverse to seeking medical advise and happy to try alternative medication, OLIVENOL livin must be product to take. The clinical evidence on the active ingredient (hydroxytyrosol) shows excellent efficacy to reduce inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines in our body. In addition, the olive phenol in OLIVENOL livin’ has been found to significantly increase glutathione level in our body. This helps us fight off infection and slows down the process of cell damage due to aging.
Apart from getting pain relief for the symptom your wife and your friend experience, OLIVENOL livin’ packs a multi action formulation that regulate their immune system, improve their cardio vascular health and give them excellent skin.
Please read my other email for medical doctor contacts.
Thank you.
Comment #3
May 15th, 2009
rohana ahmad said
Please confirm whether the capsule is vegetarian eventhough the product is certified “halal”
Comment #4
May 15th, 2009
admin said
Dear Rohana
We confirm that OLIVENOL livin capsule is certified VegeCap.
Thank you.
Comment #5
May 16th, 2009
rohayah said
I’m 50 years old. For the past 4 months, I have been having pains at the joints especially the knees, hips, toes, fingers and neck. I decided to look for supplements and found some for joint pains. I read and found that I had Arthritis. The supplements help but didn’t cure the pain. I read an article in the Star 12th May 2009 and decided to look for Olivenol but Guardian pharmacy didn’t have any in stock. So I did the only alternative way I know that is I bought extra virgin olive oil and have been taking it for 2 days, 3 times a day, 10ml. Surprisingly it works. My mobility has increased. I can climb up and down the stair. But the inflammation of the joint happens only in the morning.
Please advice.
Comment #6
May 16th, 2009
admin said
Dear Rohayah
The symptoms you describe are typical signs of arthritis. Your experience with extra virgin olive oil is not surprising. The active ingredient in olive that delivers therapeutic properties is called hydroxytyrosol. Medical science has proven what the holy scriptures have recorded thousands of years ago.
You may be interested to know that each capsule of OLIVENOL livin’ contains an amount of hydroxytyrosol equal to what you would find in 6OZ (half a StarBugs Coffee mug) of the best extra virgin olive oil. Your dosage of 10ml 3 times a day is about 1OZ (for the whole day).
Taking OLIVENOL livin’ (2 caps per day) instead of pure olive oil is a convenient way to ensure you have adequate level of hydroxytyrosol to counter your arthritic symptoms without the fat and calories associated with taking oil.
Apart from helping reduce inflammation, OLIVENOL livin’ delivers a multi action formulation that improve your immune system, reduce CardioVascular risk and improve skin and complexion (very noticeable improvements after 2 months). There are no other supplement able to deliver so many benefits in a singe product.
It isn’t any wonder that Allah (Ta’ala) has sworn by the Olive in the Qur’an;
“By the Fig and the Olive, and the Mount of Sinai…”
[surah at-Teen; 95: 1-2]
The special mentioning of this fruit, and the inferences made from it indicate the unique essence and value of the Olive.
You will be able to purchase OLIVENOL from Guardian in about 2 weeks time. In the meantime, you are able to purchase from all independent pharmacies nationwide and the following chains: VitaCare, Carings, Healthlane, MultiCare, Alpha, PharmaCare, Tigas and the following hospitals SJMC, Prince Court Medical Centre, Ampang Puteri, Gleneagles and Sri Kota Medical Centre.
Thank you.
Comment #7
May 16th, 2009
rohayah said
Thank you for the advice. In the mean time, while waiting for the stock at Guardian pharmacy I’ll continue to take my extra virgin olive oil.
Comment #8
May 17th, 2009
Chong m.s. said
Can glucosamine and chondroitin be taken togather with Olivenol ?
Is Olivenol safe?
I have knee joint pain for about 4 years now. Doctor confirmed OA.
Comment #9
May 17th, 2009
admin said
Dear Chong
Yes, OLIVENOL livin can be taken with glucosamine and chondroitin (GC). In fact, the biologic response in your body as a result of taking OLIVENOL will synergize to make GC more effective for you. Please read our article “When Glucosamine and Chondroitin Does Not Work For You..” The link is HERE.
OLIVENOL livin is derived solely from the olive fruit with no chemical additive. It is based on a formulation of hydroxytyrosol that is clinically proven to be effective as an agent for anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-UV-damage and anti-aging.
OLIVENOL livin is also the ONLY natural supplement available in Malaysia that has obtained USFDA GRAS certification for SAFETY.
If you want further assurance, please speak with your pharmacist or doctor and obtain their professional opinion on the relevance of OLIVENOL livin to your OA symptoms. We have seen thousands of OA (and RA) sufferers obtaining excellent result by combining OLIVENOL livin with GC or just by taking OLIVENOL on its own.
Do come back and share your experience with us on how OLIVENOL livin’ has help you deal with your OA.
Thank you.
Comment #10
June 19th, 2009
Nurul Afida Kamaludin said
I’m diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis since 9 years ago. Currently i’m taking meloxicam and metothrexate (MTX). recently i was prescribed with arava but it caused rashes on my face and sore throat and the doctor directed me to stop taking it.
at the moment, my left knee and wrists are slowing my daily activities.
due to that, i have to take long medical leaves every year.
please advice me on olivenol. i would like to take but will it give any side effects when taking with prescription medicines?
Comment #11
June 20th, 2009
OLIVENOL livin' said
Dear Nurul
Your current medication of meloxicam (an NSAID) and metothrexate (a potent immunosuppressant) counts as one of the most aggressive drug therapy for RA. Each of these drugs comes with associated side effects. Click on these links – meloxicam / metothrexate – to learn of their respective side effects.
Our data on OLIVENOL livin does not show any interaction between hydroxytyrosol (active ingredient) with any prescription drugs. OLIVENOL livin does not block or interfere with the path of the drugs you are taking. It relies on a different mechanism, acting as biologic response modifier by preventing pro-inflammatory genes from expressing.
By the description you provide, your condition is severe. Based on the data from clinical trials and the experience of other thousands of Malaysian RA sufferers such as yourself who have found OLIVENOL to be effective, we recommended you take 2 capsules x TWICE per day for the first 2 months. You should experience a significant improvement at the end of 2nd month. At that point you may reduce your dosage to 1 capsule x TWICE per day.
Since you are under professional medical care, we suggest you disclose to your doctor that you are taking OLIVENOL. Request that he continues to monitor you over the initial 2 months. He should record your blood test results (BEFORE and AFTER) for hs-CRP, TNF and homocyestein.
For the benefit and interest of other readers, please come back and share with us your experience. If at anytime you have questions or concerns, feel free to come back to us. We are more than happy to address your concerns.
Thank you.
Comment #12
June 23rd, 2009
Lim Fung Ching said
I’m a young lady with RA for 4 years, my rheumatologist is based in Sunway Medical Hospital, she been treated me ever since I confirmed RA. My case is severe like Ms Nurul, I’m taking MTX and Arava as well. Can your approach Sunway Medical Hospital since SJMC also have this product why can’t Sunway Hospital have it so that I can ask my doctor to prescribe to me.
I had try so many other products to no avail including Xango, after reading your article from The Star and do research on your product, I start to have a urge to try your products, but my concern is like Nurul, will it affect my MTX medication efficacy. Should I inform my doctor about taking this products as she dont believe anything in supplement.
I hope your product do work on me as none of the supplements work on me.
Thank you
Comment #13
June 23rd, 2009
OLIVENOL livin' said
Dear Ms Lim
I understand your frustration and concerns. We are approaching all hospitals including Sunway. Doctors are divided in their position on therapy with natural supplements. Those who do not believe in “supplementation” take that position because they rely on their training and experience to treat symptoms with drugs that are specifically targeting that disease. This is a perfectly valid approach to case management of any disease.
However, there is a growing group of medical practitioners (such as those in SJMC, PCMC, Gleneagles, Megah Medical, Sri Kota, Ampang Putri etc) who are willing to consider and accept evidence based supplement products with strong scientific grounding. They accept products that exhibit therapeutic effects on chronic disease that conventional drugs are not able to treat. There is also a genuine concern about side effects of these conventional drugs that are usually absent in natural supplements that nudges them towards an accepting attitude.
There is no documented evidence of contra-indications between MTX and olive phenols. As the long term effect of MTX regime has negative impact on your well being (you should research this), I can understand your “urge” to try OLIVENOL livin’. Given you had previously tried XANGO and presumably other products as well, you are fully entitled to your decision to try a new one.
Just as we encouraged Nurul to confer with her doctor, we advise you to do the same. Even if he/she does not believe in supplements, you can still inform him that you are taking an olive extract. Over the next few months, during your followup visits, your doctor should review the following bio-markers in your blood: homcyestein, TNF, hs-CRP. If you achieve the improvement that we expect, the readings on these markers should indicate so. Perhaps, through this process, we can convince your doctor to be less rejecting of supplements.
In the meantime, you can purchase OLIVENOL livin’ from the following network of pharmacies nearest to you.
We are keen to stay in touch with you and monitor your experience with OLIVENOL livin’. Do signup as a fan of our facebook page to help us achieve this.
Comment #14
June 24th, 2009
Nurul Afida said
Hi,
I purchased two boxes Olivenol containing 50 capsules each and have been taking its since four days ago. I noticed that on the second day, the pain on my left knee, left and right shoulders and right ankle have incresed. Is this normal?
I have told my Rheumatologist at Hospital Selayang about me taking Olivenol. She was not supportive as she worried that it could give side effect to my RA. Is this true?
Anyway, i have decided to continue taking Olivenol and i hope it will improved my condition.
Please advice me on this. Thank You
Comment #15
June 24th, 2009
OLIVENOL livin' said
Dear Nurul
It was wise of you to advise your doctor about your decision on OLIVENOL. First of all, to allay your fears and to assure your doctor that the product has been put through controlled trial on RA and OA patients. You may download the publication from >> HERE <<
Since we started offering OLIVENOL livin’ in Malaysia, many RA patients have found the product effective to reduce inflammation in their joints. There were a small number of individuals who reported symptom of worsening before getting better. However, in each of these cases, we were unable to determine if the “increased pain” as reported was solely contributed by OLIVENOL or a coincidental occurrence due to RA patient’s predisposition to inflammatory flares. It is common for RA patients to experience sudden episodes of increase/decrease pain, for ‘no apparent reason’ – i.e. you have “good days” and “bad days”.
The encouraging thing to look forward to is that almost all of those who take OLIVENOL for RA, register significant improvement in their conditions after 3-4 weeks. Unfortunately, many doctors are not trained to recognize the potential of non-drug therapy. This is understandable, as medical/pharmacology training conditions them to view every drug from the perspective of indications and contra indications.
Your decision to continue taking OLIVENOL livin’ is a considered one. Based on the severity of your conditions, it does not look like your current MTX regime is helping. Increasing MTX dosage will push you down a slippery slope of the associated side effects of that medication.
On your next visit to the doctoc (after 4 weeks of OLIVENOL), request a blood test for rheumatoid markers be done. Compare these to your historic readings. These are the parameters that will help win the confidence of your doctor.
We look forward to your next update.
Thank you.
Comment #16
June 25th, 2009
Lim Fung Ching said
I went to purchased the Olivenol on 23/6, the day I wrote my first message to you. I stay in USJ, so after work I went to Guardian and MedSense at Taipan but no stock left, so I try my last resort, Caring Pharmacy at taipan and I finally got it for 1 box. I start taking 2 capsules since 23/6 and today is the 3rd days I’m into this product. I experienced the same symptoms that Ms Nurul experience that I have pain at my left knee this morning and my wrist. But I dont put much thought on the pain as our RA patients, pain do come and go. I can’t tell any improvement or positive sign yet as this is just my 3rd days consuming Olivenol. Hopefully after 2 weeks of consuming, I can share the good news in this blog again.
For me as a RA patient, a mother of 2 active young boys and a lecturing career, it really very demanding in term of my time and energy to balance between my family and work. I notice that if I am less stress and less tiring, the pain doesnt come so often. Well, I went for my check up early this month,my CRP is 16 and my ESR is 70, that is very good to me as it drop since my previous checkup. Let see my next checkup in August, will the marker drop or increase? My ESR never reach normal level ever since I diagnosed with RA, it even reach >100 when the disease flare up.
I would like follow up with you on my progress but through e-mail, you have my e-mail address, reply to my e-mail so that you can monitor my progress. I dont want to publish it in the blog everytime when I report my health condition. If I proven to be the successful RA patient with Olivenol, then I will write in the blog to tell everyone. Hope you are okay with this.
Comment #17
June 25th, 2009
OLIVENOL livin' said
Hi Lim, we respect your request for privacy. Any reader of this blog have a few modes of communications with us:
1) via the comment box such as this one (public)
2) via email to olivenol @ triniaire.com (or our “contact us” box on the website (private)
3) via our facebook page (public OR private)
Comment #18
July 20th, 2009
Tan said
Hi,
I’ve stiff and sore fingers just recently. I’ve been to the doctor and have my blood test. My result was normal. The result for Rhuematiod Factor is 1IU/ML.
I’m taking multivitamin and fish oil once a day. I wanted to know is it alright for me to take olivenol together with the supplement that I’m taking now.
Is olive oil better than fish oil?
Tank you.
Comment #19
July 20th, 2009
OLIVENOL livin' said
Tan: Your RF factors are low and could not be considered a case of arthritis. nevertheless, there is some degree of inflammation that results in “Stiff and sore fingers” you describe.
OLIVENOL livin can be combined synergistically with other supplements without complications. You can certainly continue with our fish oil (OMEGA-3 is preferred for joints) and multi-vit (dropping vitamin is also ok). If you start taking OLIVENOL livin, you no longer need to take olive oil. Just stay with Omega-3. It is not a choice whether olive oil is better than fish oil, but rather, you get all the benefits of olive oil in olivenol and you get what fish oil what you do not from olive.
Hope this explanation helps.
Comment #20
November 18th, 2009
DonHo said
I just started on Olivenol today and the stiffness (caused by RA)saw some improvement.Will revert after finishing the first 50 capsules.
Comment #21
July 14th, 2010
aikwanong said
hi i went to see this dermatalogist yesterday and as recommended to take this olivenol due to exzema problem.
frm my reading in the website i understand that olivenol acts as an agent for anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-UV-damage and anti-aging.
my mum has just gone for blood test and and she has got this H PYLORI IGG. the doctor has given her some medications.
i had this H PYLORI IGG when i checked my blood in year 2007. i’m yet to do another blood test to see if this H PYLORI IGG is still there.
I would like to know if OLIVEnol can help to get rid of this H PYLORI Igg.
awaiting yr reply.
thks
rgds
ong