1. The Associated Press article by Matthew Perrone (February 8, 2009, “Drugmakers’ push boosts ‘murky’ aliment) has drawn several comments.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to read the NFA’s response, as well as some comments by other readers.

To send a letter to AP business editor Kevin Noble or writer Matthew Perrone, email info@ap.org (no attachments).

2. The NFA is in the process of contacting media outlets across the nation that published Mr. Perrone’s article. In addition to sharing the disappointment of the fibromyalgia community, our response provides accurate information about fibromyalgia, including the science behind fibromyalgia and the lack of research funding.

3. For a list of 10 ways to respond to negative and false Information about fibromyalgia, click here.

4. Several points made in the AP article were addressed by fibromyalgia experts on February 11, 2009 during a medical talk show produced by Patient Power. Guests included leading FM researcher Daniel Clauw, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan Health System; Martha Beck, Ph.D., who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia; and Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association. Click here to listen.

5. The NFA has created two information sheets—the Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet and Recognition, Research and Science—for your reference and use in helping dispel misunderstandings about fibromyalgia.

Click here to view the Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet.

Click here to view an overview on Recognition, Research and Science.

6. In addition to a variety of articles about managing FM symptoms, overlapping conditions, and healthy lifestyle choices, the NFA’s 10-year anniversary issue (September-November 2007) includes a special section on the History of Fibromyalgia. Topics include:

• The state of FM and how it has changed in the last 10 years
• How changing perspectives on FM have impacted the specialties that focus on it
• How patients have succeeded in changing public perception of FM
• The latest studies on medications commonly prescribed to treat FM.

Click here to order a single copy: $5.00 (members), $7.50 (non-members)

Click here to order a box of magazines (50 copies): $35

(Additional postage fees apply for international shipments. Call 714.921.0150 for details.)