About Charles Cusumano, PA-C, DFAAPA Expertise I`m a Physician Assistant in medical practice since 1975. I`m a nationally certified Physician Assistant and am a nationally credentialed Family Medicine Practitioner. I was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow in the AAPA.
Experience Radiologic Technologist 1963-1973;
Training in Hand and Upper Extremity
Microvascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic;
and injury of the hand and upper extremity. I have taught pediatric ambulatory trauma. I'm ACLS certified.
I serve as Honorary Chairman from Kentucky to the Republican National Congressional Committee Physician Advisory Board.
Organizations AAPA, KAPA
Awards and Honors Distinguished Fellow American Academy of Physician Assistants
Expert: Charles Cusumano, PA-C, DFAAPA - 12/28/2004
Question I've been taking celebrex for 3 years to treat arthritis in my knees. 3 Months ago I had surgery to repair a massively torn rotator cuff and the surgeon doubled my Celebrex, it was wonderful. Recently my family physician took me off Celebrex and put me on Daypro. It is not effective AT ALL for either the arthritis or shoulder. Any suggestions for alternatives I could discuss with my physician?
Answer Hi Michael,
This is a dicey situation right now. All the bad press about these drugs has doctors running scared. Even if patients have been doing well on the drug, many providers are pulling people off these meds for fear of illness to you and law suits against them if something untoward happens.
To date, no one is suggesting pulling Celebrex off the market. I haven't taken my patients off of it unless they have stated a desire to do that.
I feel that as long as doses don't get too high, it is a safe drug. I may be proved wrong next week but for now that is how I see it.
I would discuss it further with your doctor and see if the two of you can reach an agreement. An alternative might be Mobic. I've used that with quite a bit of success. It's tough being a patient right now!
