AminoActiv® Lessens the Economic Burden of Diabetes, While Offering Equal or Better Pain Relief and Fewer Side Effects Than NSAIDs

MADISON, Tenn., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2007, the total cost of diabetes treatment in the United States has risen from $174 billion to $245 billion. Nearly 26 million adults and children currently live with the disease. Per capita medical expenditures now total $7,900. Chronic pain and neuropathy necessitate a steady regimen of prescription pain relief medications, which is one of the more significant factors contributing these numbers. These findings are the result of a comprehensive study authored by the American Diabetes Association. AminoActiv®, a non-prescription, non-toxic pain reliever produced by Vireo Systems, Inc., offers a safe and cost-effective solution to diabetes-related pain (www.aminoactiv.com).

Diabetic and AminoActiv® customer Brian Hoffman had the following praise: "My kidney doctor told me to cut out all ibuprofen. In searching for safe alternatives, I found AminoActiv® through a friend. When I work out at the gym, I need something for aches and pains. AminoActiv® works just as good as or better than the Advils I had been taking and it's safe for the kidneys."

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of treatment for chronic pain. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, sold under a variety of brand names. Unfortunately, NSAID side effects, particularly adverse reactions related to the kidneys, are especially worrisome for diabetes patients. 15.5% of all NSAID adverse drug reactions that require hospitalization are due to renal complications that cost over $1 billion per year. NSAIDs contribute to 104,000 cases of renal failure annually, resulting in co-medications, dialysis or in severe cases, kidney transplants.

The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that diabetes is responsible for nearly 44% of new cases of kidney failure each year. Even well-controlled diabetes can result in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or kidney failure. NSAIDs are known to cause possibly dangerous changes in blood flow to the kidneys, even in healthy people, and is a strong argument against their use in diabetic patients. AminoActiv®, which has no known renal toxicity (or no known effect on kidneys), has shown great success in managing the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Not only that, AminoActiv has a significantly lower annual cost of treatment: an average of $600 per year versus $2,420 for prescription NSAIDs (not including cost of side effects).

"We have found that diabetic patients find relief from joint pain and neuropathy by using AminoActiv. People with diabetes aged 60 and over are 2 to 3 times more likely to report joint pain compared with people without diabetes in the same age group. Traditionally, NSAIDs are often used to treat neuropathy. AminoActiv® provides relief from nerve swelling, but without the side effects NSAIDs can cause," explained David Kohll, Pharm D. and owner of Omaha, Neb.'s Kohll's Pharmacy & Homecare, an AminoActiv® retailer.

Kohll adds that his pharmacy will be one of 18 providers chosen for Medicare's Competitive Bidding Diabetic Supply Program, going into effect on July 1st. Diabetes patients who have relied on Kohll's Pharmacy & Homecare for their testing strips and other supplies are encouraged to call 866-414-9900 or navigate to www.KohllsDiabetes.com to learn more and begin receiving discounted supplies.

To learn more about the benefits of AminoActiv® in the treatment of pain and inflammation, visit www.aminoactiv.com.

About Vireo Systems, Inc.

Taking inspiration from one of the Latin words for "health," Vireo Systems, Inc. is the manufacturer of a number of health-related products including AminoActiv®, the #1 alternative to ibuprofen and NSAIDs. Vireo was founded in 2002 as part of a project with several university-based researchers, and today, the company's products deliver safe, effective relief for inflammation and pain. Vireo meets industry-standard good manufacturing practices as expected by the FDA, and AminoActiv® safety and toxicity data have been reviewed and accepted by the FDA.

Vireo is headquartered just outside Nashville, Tenn., with a secondary facility in Plattsmouth, Neb., where it manufactures its pain relief capsules and cream. Vireo is a two-time nominee for the NEXT Award, a prestigious honor celebrating successful businesses in the Middle Tennessee Region and part of an annual recognition program sponsored by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurial Center.

Contact:

Mark Faulkner
President, Vireo Systems, Inc.
855-442-6466
Email

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SOURCE Vireo Systems, Inc.