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For Immediate Release
Geriatrics Society's Guidelines For Pain
Were Paid For By Makers Of Tylenol
May 8, 1998
Conflict of Interest Concerns Raised by Aspirin Group
The Aspirin Foundation of America said today that the American Geriatrics Society's (AGS)
promotion of new guidelines for the management of chronic pain is misleading to consumers
because the AGS failed to clearly distinguish between long-term daily use of prescription
NSAIDs and the safe, occasional use of over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and
ibuprofen.
"They have taken clinical practice guidelines that are focused on high-dose, long term
NSAIDs, administered only under a doctor's supervision, and made blanket generalizations
about an entire class of proven pain relievers," said Dr. Thomas E. Bryant, president of the
Aspirin Foundation of America.
"People of all ages should understand that over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as aspirin and
ibuprofen, when used as directed, are a safe and effective treatment of the aches and pains
associated with numerous ailments such as arthritis and back problems," Dr. Bryant noted.
He said the Foundation was concerned over what appeared to be a conflict of interest in the
sponsorship of these guidelines. The American Geriatrics Society stated in its press release
and promotional materials that the guidelines were funded by an "unrestricted educational
great" from McNeil Consumer Products Company - but did not reveal that this company is
the maker of Tylenol, which the AGS guidelines promote by name. Further, the guidelines'
blanket generalizations about NSAIDs target Tylenol's main competitors in the
over-the-counter pain reliever market.
The Aspirin Foundation of America is a non-profit, educational foundation that has been
collecting and disseminating health and scientific information on aspirin since 1981.
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Contact:
Caroline Perrin
807 National Press Building, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 800-432-3247 Fax: 202/737-8406
info@aspirin.org
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