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| |  Positive Steps(tm) Launched by SmithKline Beecham for Arthritis Patients PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 15, 1996 -- Positive Steps, a self- management program for people with arthritis, was launched today by SmithKline Beecham (NYSE: SBH, SBE) in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation and other leading medical and patient-advocate organizations. Positive Steps is a program designed to help patients taking Relafen play an active role in managing their arthritis and meet the everyday challenges it presents. Positive Steps has been scientifically reviewed by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation and endorsed by the Consumer Health Information Research Institute and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. "Positive Steps encourages patients to take an active role in managing their osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, complementing the instructions they receive from their physicians," said Dr. John A. Lipani, Group Director, Inflammation and Tissue Repair, SmithKline Beecham. "In addition to providing detailed instructions for the proper use of Relafen, these programs intend to encourage patients to rely on more than just medications for relief." The informational materials made available through Positive Steps include: -- Positive Steps Toward Managing the Pain of Arthritis, a pain- management program developed in cooperation with the American Academy of Pain Medicine and with the assistance of Dr. Lee Simon of Harvard Medical School. -- Positive Steps Toward Daily Activities For People With Arthritis - Within Reach, an exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. -- Positive Steps Toward Better Nutrition and Its Effect on Arthritis, a nutrition and weight-management program developed in cooperation with the American Dietetic Association. -- Positive Steps Toward Managing Stress and Its Effect on Arthritis, a stress-management program developed in cooperation with the American Institute of Stress. -- Your Guide to Relafen(nabumetone), a handbook containing answers to frequently asked questions about Relafen, the leading prescription brand in its class. Also available through Positive Steps are a complimentary, six-month membership in the Arthritis Foundation, including a free six-month subscription to Arthritis Today magazine, and a free six-month subscription to Health magazine. People with arthritis who are interested in more information about Relafen and Positive Steps should talk to their doctor or call 1-800-401-7648. Upon enrollment, patients receive by mail Your Guide to Relafen, Positive Steps Toward Managing the Pain of Arthritis, and a reply form enabling them to obtain more free informational materials at the time of their next refill or new prescription for Relafen. Each subsequent mailing also will include a reply form so that patients can continue to obtain additional materials. Relafen, available through a doctor's prescription, has been proven effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In clinical trials, Relafen reduced pain and inflammation for thousands of people with arthritis around the world. Relafen is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. People who have had an allergic reaction to any other arthritis or pain medication should not use Relafen. Medications work differently for each individual. While most people tolerate Relafen well, some may experience side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, there could be more serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding. Relafen, however, has been found to have a low potential for such ulcers. SmithKline Beecham -- one of the world's leading healthcare companies -- discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health- related consumer products, and provides healthcare services including clinical laboratory testing, disease management, and pharmaceutical benefit management. (Prescribing information for Relafen is available upon request.) CONTACT: Richard Koenig of SmithKline Beecham, 215-751-3415/ /SmithKline Beecham press releases available through Company News On-Call by fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 801350, or at http://www.prnewswire.com (SBH SBE)
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