Dr Karel De Ceular (left), consultant rhematologist and lecturer at University of the West Indies, converses with visiting international speaker Dr Gilberto Castaneda-Hernandez, a Professor at the Centro de Investigacion and National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City.

Jamaicans who suffer from inflammatory pain can now rely on a new drug for relief.

The drug, Bi-Profenid, is used to relieve symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint diseases, muscle or joint disorders such as tendinitis and sprains. It can also be used to treat pain of any origin such as dental pain, headaches and menstrual cramps. It is also prescribed for the treatment of migraine crisis with or without aura (sensation).

Bi-Profenid, was launched this week by pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis in recognition of the 'Year Against Pain in Women' which is being celebrated this year. The declaration was made by International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in an effort to call attention to the repercussions of chronic pain in women and the need for more efficient care.

Meantime, Bi-Profenid can only be obtained through medical prescription and it is recommended that the drug's intake should not exceed 300mg daily.

Bi-Profenid is a two layered tablet that comprises of a white layer, which immediately releases 75 mg of the active ingredient, assuring its absorption begins in the stomach and is activated in approximately 30 minutes. The second layer, the yellow layer, is formed by ingredients allowing slow and sustained release in the gut of the other 75 mg of ketoprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), which once absorbed, allows maintenance of proper concentrations of prolonged analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

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