Med Facts by Number

20	NSAIDs available in the United States with a prescription
3	Number of drugs classified as COX-2 inhibitors
0	Number of drugs FDA-approved for treating fibromyalgia
3	Number of NSAIDs available in the United States without a prescription
80	Percentage of people with lupus who take NSAIDs regularly or occasionally for lupus symptoms
80	Percentage of adults in the United States who take at least one type of medication a week

1820
Year the U.S. Pharmacopeia, the first compendium of standard drugs for the United States, was established.

1906
The original Food and Drugs Act prohibiting interstate commerce in misbranded and adulterated foods, drinks and drugs, is passed by Congress.

1927
The Food, Drug and Insecticide Administration was formed. Three years later the name was shortened to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

1948
The first corticosteroid medication was used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

1950
Corticosteroids were first used in lupus treatment.

1952
The first non-aspirin NSAID, phenylbutazone, went on the market. (The drug is no longer marketed.)

1970
Year the FDA required the first package insert - telling women how to correctly use oral contraceptive pills.

1995
Arthritis Today published its first Drug Guide.

1999
Celecoxib (Celebrex), the first COX-2 inhibitor, was approved by the FDA for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Etanercept (Enbrel), the first biologic response modifier, was approved for RA.

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