FDA Advisers Urge Smaller Doses of Acetaminophen

On June 30, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel recommended greater regulation of acetaminophen to reduce deadly overdoses and liver injury. Recommendations that affect people with arthritis include switching the 1,000 milligram dose to prescription status; limiting the maximum single dose of the drug to 650 milligrams; and lowering the maximum daily dose; eliminating prescription painkillers that combine acetaminophen with strong narcotics; and stronger labeling.

The Arthritis Foundation supports the recommendations of the panel, which help to reduce the risks of serious adverse effects from acetaminophen, and applauds the FDA for the prompt action. “Acetaminophen is an important drug which helps to alleviate the daily impact and pain of arthritis for millions of Americans. We believe that people with arthritis must be made aware of potential side effects of drugs so they can decide about the level of risk they are willing to accept. The recommendation to reduce the maximum dose of acetaminophen will help to make this a safer drug for people with arthritis,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.

The continued concern over safety of arthritis pain relievers underscores the tremendous impact of arthritis on the nation, and the need for ongoing research for development of new medications, treatments and understanding of the disease. The Arthritis Foundation recommends patients discuss concerns with their physicians and stresses the importance of weight control and exercise, drug therapy and surgical options for the management of pain and functional limitations caused by arthritis.

Matt Boyd Photography Client wins Overall Photogenic at Miss Georgia Pageant!

Congratulations to Emily Cook, the new Miss Georgia 2009! And Brianna Godshalk, Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen 2009! Matt and I are so happy and proud of you! We will be cheering you both on for Miss America and Miss America's Outstanding Teen! Congrats to all contestants. Also congratulations to Kristen Little, Miss Georgia State University, who won the OVERALL PHOTOGENIC AWARD! We are thrilled that you chose us to do your pageant photos! Thanks Kristen!

All pageant headshots by Matt Boyd Photography
Hair and makeup by Meredith Boyd of Mere Cosmetics

Contact the FDA Today

The Arthritis Foundation has been advocating for many years for the creation of a juvenile arthritis registry. A JA registry would improve the care children with arthritis receive. It would help pediatric rheumatologists make better decisions about the type of medications our children need and it could serve as an early warning system if there are unintended side effects or outcomes of JA therapies. The Arthritis Foundation testified last month at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommending that such a registry be established: http://www.arthritis.org/murphy.php

Now it is your chance to let the FDA know we want them to continue their commendable work in this area and make our dream a reality - the creation of a fully funded JA registry that would help our kids! Please personalize your letter with your individual story and feel free to include some or the entire letter which can be downloaded here.

Please submit your comments either by regular mail or email by July 14th to: Division of Dockets Management(HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061 Rockville, MD 20852

Or Submit electronic comments to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=09000064809306d1
All comments should be identified with: Docket No. FDA-2009-N-0145

SIRIUS XM "Doctor Radio" - Tune In Monday!

Channel: Doctor Radio Sirius 114 and XM 119

Program: The Orthopedics Show

Live Air Date: Monday, June 15th at 6 p.m. EST

Hosts: Dr. Ramesh Gidumal and Dr. Nader Paksima

Tune in next Tuesday for Sirius Satellite Radio XM's Doctor Radio's "The Orthopedics Show" where I will be a guest speaker about juvenile arthritis and orthopedics. Join hosts Dr. Nader Paksima and Dr. Ramesh Gidumal for in-depth looks at arthritis and other related orthopedic issues like ligament strains and meniscus tears that happen in everyday life, plus take a look at dangerous pre-existing conditions and the latest treatment options. From bones, muscles and joints to congenital conditions, nothing is too complicated for Drs. Paksima and Gidumal to tackle! Hear medical terms and procedures explained in everyday language, and call world class doctors directly with your medical questions.

Contact Your Members of Congress About Health Care Reform Today!

Health care reform now for people with arthritis! Today, fellow advocates, including my friend and Young Professionals Board member Aimee Busquet, stormed Capitol Hill to let Congress know people with arthritis need health care reform. There are 45 million Americans without insurance, millions who are underinsured, and the rising trend that paying for health care is contributing to upwards of half of all bankruptcies in the U.S.

Congress has been working on legislation to reform the health care system over this past year. Starting this week, Congress is planning to discuss this legislation in committees and it will eventually reach the Senate and House floor.

It is very important that you tell your Members of Congress about the unique health care needs of people with arthritis. If you are currently experiencing challenges accessing or paying for health care, please tell Congress your story. If you don't tell them about the problem, Congress can't include a solution in the legislation.

Click "Take Action" to write your Members of Congress and let them know we need health care reform NOW!

Arthritis Awareness in Action!

Check out AOL's homepage, http://www.aol.com/ and view the health section about arthritis. There's helpful information about how to cope and manage the challenges of this disease...my mission is to bring about awareness of the disease and the Arthritis Foundation as a resource to all ages and dispel the myths that arthritis is just an old person's disease, increase needed funding and insprire others to make a difference to those in pain, especially children!