Millions of pounds are spent on medications to treat pain and inflammation - in the UK over £300 million a year. More pain medications are purchased for the control of arthritic symptoms than for any other disorder. Yet these drugs have disturbing side effects. Now with over a third of the UK population in acute or chronic pain, people are looking for a safe, effective, natural alternative. A new, patented blend of cetylated fatty acids (CFA), that halts pain and inflammation without side effects, and now available in Agoneze™ cream and capsules from HealthRight®, may be the answer. The HealthRight® team have examined studies published on CFA in the prestigious Journal of Rheumatology showing remarkable improvement in terms of reduced pain and swelling, and reduction of inflammation. Although studies on CFA (trade name Celadrin®), has been primarily focused on the various forms of arthritis, it can also reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, bowel disease, eczema, fibromyalgia, gingivitis, psoriasis and Sjogren’s syndrome, not to mention joint, muscle, tendon and sport’s injuries.

Get a Grip on Arthritis
Arthritis is the biggest cause of disability in the UK and it doesn't only affect the elderly. Some forms strike toddlers, while thousands of others are stricken in the prime of their lives. Arthritis is the most prevalent chronic condition affecting women, between the ages of 20 and 40. According to the Arthritis Research

Campaign statistics, over 13 million people have arthritis and joint pain. Arthritis

(“arth” meaning joint; “itis” meaning inflammation) consists of up to 200 different conditions, from gout to rheumatoid arthritis. Although most of these disorders involve joint or muscle inflammation, others, like lupus, involve the skin, lungs and kidney. Inflammation (swelling, redness and heat), and, most importantly, pain, are the hallmarks of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a gradual wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the joints causing bones to scrape against each other. New research is also finding that osteoarthritis occurs when the ability to regenerate normal cartilage is impaired. Repetitive activities and injuries, as well as ageing, are associated with the development of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the second most common form, is an autoimmune disease. The immune system produces antibodies that destroy the membranes around the lubricating fluid in the joints. RA may begin in fits and starts, taking months or years to progress, but for about 25 percent of sufferers, it begins abruptly and is severe. In the case of RA, correcting imbalances in the immune system is the focus of treatment.

Downsides of Pain-killers
Despite the popularity of the various pain medications, their safety is not guaranteed. Unintentional overdoses of Paracetamol are very common. Patients in severe pain may be tempted to take too many tablets. Paracetamol overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure and causes ten percent of all cases of kidney failure. Long-term use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, Paracetamol, Codeine Phosphate and Ibuprofen), causes 3000 deaths in the UK annually. In addition, over 12,000 are hospitalized each year. Side effects include gastrointestinal complaints, liver damage, stomach ulcers, allergic reactions, immune system depression, mental confusion and kidney failure. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that NSAIDs cause 15% of all drug-induced cases of kidney failure.

Pain-killers & Joint Destruction
A study published in The Lancet found that NSAIDs contribute to cartilage destruction. Yes, you read that correctly! NSAIDs can cause joint destruction. In a study that examined 294 hip x-rays, the hip joints of patients taking NSAIDs showed greater joint destruction than the hip joints of patients not taking NSAIDs. Some bone experts say the results are so compelling that doctors should explain the risk of taking such drugs when treating bone injuries or in relation to spinal surgery.
In addition to concerns about joint damage, Vioxx and Celebrex, touted as much safer than earlier versions of NSAIDs, are no longer thought so. Research performed at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center has found that Celebrex may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers have also found there is a stronger chance than previously thought for users of Celebrex to develop ulcers. A trial comparing patients taking Celebrex, Ibuprofen or Voltaren showed that there is, in fact, no difference among the three drugs when it comes to gastrointestinal illness. Many arthritis sufferers taking Celebrex have found that the gastrointestinal problems they had with NSAlDs still occur when taking Celebrex. Vioxx was recently recalled due to increased risk of cardiovascular events. Bextra, another in the class of Cox-2 inhibiting drugs was recalled due to cardiovascular concerns and a life-threatening skin condition that resulted from the drug use.

Pain-killers & High Blood Pressure
Archives of Internal Medicine reported last year that the use of NSAIDs including Ibuprofen, Naprosyn and Paracetamol are significantly associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. Over 80,000 women between the ages of 31 and 50 who had no history of high blood pressure were monitored for two years. Those taking NSAIDs at least 22 days per month were 1.86 times more likely to develop high blood pressure, and those taking Paracetamol were twice as likely to develop hypertension. Even infrequent use of painkillers increased the risk of high blood pressure. Women taking Ibuprofen one to four days a month were 14 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure.

CFA to the Rescue
Research into the effectiveness of a CFA cream, similar to Agoneze™ cream, performed at the University of Connecticut involved 42 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants received either CFA applied topically or a dummy cream. The researchers evaluated physical function, postural sway, pain and range of motion. Test of physical function included a timed assessment of how long it took to get up and go from a chair, stair climbing, muscle strength and endurance, and mobility of the knee. The group receiving CFA had outstanding results with reduced pain and stiffness, improved balance and strength and better mobility. What was most exciting was that within 30 minutes of applying CFA cream, patients experienced a dramatic improvement in all aspects tested. Results of this study were published in The Journal of Rheumatology, August 2002.
Results of a double-blind, multi-centre, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that CFA (now available from HealthRight in Agoneze™ Capsules), when taken orally, improved joint and mobility problems. Compared to those given a placebo, participants taking CFA had more flexibility, fewer aches, less pain and were able to walk longer distances than the placebo group.
Most interestingly, those using the oral CFA and the cream together experienced a much faster improvement in pain, swelling and mobility than those using the cream alone.

What does CFA do?
CFA appears to induce positive changes in cell membranes to certain inflammatory factors. It decreases cartilage breakdown, reduces the inflammatory activities of the Cox-2 enzyme, and all this without the side effects associated with drug therapy. Not a single side effect was noted in the clinical trials.
The patented CFA blend used in Agoneze™ cream and capsules, works in a similar way to, but much more dramatically than, the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oils. Fatty acids provide many vital, beneficial effects for the immune and inflammatory responses of the body. Various fatty acids induce changes in cell membranes and the responsiveness
of the membrane to certain immune factors. They also play a role in suppressing inflammatory cell functions, decreasing cartilage breakdown and, like NSAIDs but without the side effects, reduce the inflammatory activities of the Cox-2 enzyme.
The special fatty acids found in CFA have also been shown to reduce the production of negative immune factors that are responsible for inflammation. This alone could explain some effects of CFA, such as reduction of pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. These anti-inflammatory functions are very important in preventing further tissue and joint damage while promoting healing. Additionally, the molecules found in CFA help lubricate damaged joints. This action, combined with anti-inflammatory effects, explains some of the significant improvements in mobility and function.
However CFA should not be confused with another fatty acid, called CMO (cetyl myristoleate), which has been much touted for arthritis. One researcher, using a small sample of mice claimed to demonstrate that CMO relived the pain, joint soreness, inflammation and swelling of arthritis, but other researchers have not been able to validate this result.

Even better with collagen
CFA will work well with a collagen supplement too (e.g. Super Strength Cartilaid). CFA works to stop inflammation and lubricate damaged joints while collagen provides the raw material to repair and regenerate cartilage.
If you are suffering with the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis or other inflammatory disorders you need fast, effective safe pain relief - Agoneze™ can provide relief.

References:
1. Hesslink R Jr., et al. Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatology 2002;8:1708-1712.
2. Kraemer WJ, et al. Effect of a cetylated fatty acid topical cream on functional mobility and quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatology 2004;4:767-74.