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Show Reports link drug with kidney diseases Phenacetin (fe-na'-si-tin) in combination with other analgesics, i.e. aspirin and caffeine, has long been popular as a pain reliever. However, during the last 15 years, numerous reports from many countries have linked excessive use of phenacetin-containing analegsics with kidney diseases which may be fatal. In a survey taken from various drugstore shelves in the Salt Lake Valley, analgesics containing phenacetin were counted. The results were striking. On the average, 17 out of 29, or more than half of all analgesic compounds, contained phenacetin. These can easily be purchased over-the-counter by anyone of any age. Recognition of the role of phenacetin in causing kidney disease has resulted in legislation to control its sale. In some countries, where the consumption of analgesics has increased at a rate exceeding that of population growth, phenacetin has been inobtainablc, and in others only on prescription. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation, issued in 1964, required the following warning statement to appear on all packages of phenacetin-containing drugs for over-the-counter use: "Warning-this medication may damagethe kidneys when used in large 1 amounts or for a long period of time." But there is no mention as to what is considered a "large amount" or a "long period of time." Why would anyone want to use these analgesics over a long period of time? Although most people complain of headaches, it is necessary to look further and ask why. Most persons give worry and anxiety as the causes of these headaches. It is so easy to go to the medicine cabinet and take something when there isn't time to put up with the pain. After an average of 12 tablets taken daily for 12 years, certain symptoms will appear. The phenacetin may cause anemia, extensive bruising and ulcer-like symptoms in the stomach. With further usage, severe disease may result. Parts of the kedncy may shrivel up and fall off; and eventually the kidneys cease functioning. Dr. H. Allan Bloomer, head of the Division of Kidney Disease at the University Medical Center, says "we don't need phenacetin." "Although "Al-though barbiturates are abused, we need them because nothing else has been found to take their place." But, says Dr. Bloomer, "there are many drugs sitting on the counters next to those containing phenacetin that can do the job just as well and without adverse effects." 1 There is a controversy on whether phenacetin alone damages the kidneys. Researchers have been unable to produce any disease in rats with phenacetin alone. But there is strong speculation that the combination of aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine, may be causing the damage. Many physicians feel that phenacetin-containing drugs should be taken off the market. But the FDA and the manufactures of phenacetin-containing drugs seem to be against the move. What was formerly a rare condition has now appeared in a striking number of cases; as many as 2,000 in the United States in the past 15 years (plus the many cases that go unreported because symptoms are mistaken for other diseases.) . '. With the results out-weighing the doubts, could not die FDA and drug manufacturers be convinced that a drug, which is not necessary and potentially so harmful, should be taken off the market? |