What Medication Does Phil Mickelson Take?

By Jason Bolton August 05, 2024 22:28

Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Phil Mickelson, the professional golfer, and five-time major champion, is one such individual who has expressed his challenges with poor health while treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis. Along the path of diagnosis, treatment, and management, he has needed various medications and made significant lifestyle changes. What are the medications and supplements Phil Mickelson said he uses, why did he take them, and what do these health choices say about him?

Health Issues Plaguing Phil Mickelson

In 2010, he was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, a condition resulting from an overactive immune system that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which red, scaly patches form due to an overproduction of new skin cells rapidly replacing the old ones; this results from immune dysfunction and inflammation. PsA often follows or accompanies psoriasis. Both conditions are incurable but manageable, as Mickelson talks openly about them.

Psoriatic Arthritis in a Nutshell

PsA can have debilitating consequences for a person, causing excruciating pain and impacting their mobility. The symptoms terrified Mickelson, particularly as he prepared to play in major championships. At first, it seemed like run-of-the-mill wear and tear from years of professional play, but the pain in his joints was severe. Yet, by May 2014, the pain had become so severe as to impact his ability to play.

Drugs and Treatments Phil Mickelson Used

1. Enbrel (Etanercept)

Enbrel is one of the primary medications Mickelson has and still uses to treat his psoriatic arthritis. It's a biological drug that blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which causes inflammation in the body.
Indication: Enbrel is indicated to reduce the signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis. This keeps the symptoms at bay and improves physical functioning.
Dose: Mickelson injects himself with Enbrel, although dosage specifics are usually tailored to each individual by a healthcare provider.
Efficacy: Mickelson said his game improved markedly after starting Enbrel, enabling him to return to the course regularly. Since then, he has become a spokesperson for the drug and its ability to help control psoriatic arthritis.

2. NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)

Mickelson was probably taking NSAIDs for pain and inflammation before he started Enbrel. Plenty of drugs, for instance, those created to lower cholesterol levels or even merely painkillers meant for individuals with osteoarthritis, are gentler as compared to sterols but have generally been surpassed by creatine.

3. Supplements and Nutrition Additions

Alongside the prescribed medication, Mickelson has added several supplements and made dietary changes to help with his arthritis symptoms as well.

C-8 Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Powder: This supplement is regarded as offering rapid vitality and additionally helping weight the board, which is crucial for limiting pressure on joints.

L-theanine: This helps reduce anxiety while supporting brain function.

Collagen: While there is little research, some studies indicate collagen supplements can aid joint health and alleviate pain.

Cinnamon: Along with anti-inflammatory abilities, cinnamon could help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol.

4. Dietary Modification and Intermittent Fasting

Mickelson has also stressed the necessity of a healthy diet to keep his health in check. He follows a low-inflammation diet and incorporates intermittent fasting cycling through eating and not eating periods.

Peter emphasizes that his dietary focus has been on choosing minimally processed foods and avoiding sugar, which he believes increases inflammation—returning to basics with a whole foods diet free of processed carbs and sugar and low in unhealthy fats.
Intermittent Fasting: Mickelson has said he does 36-hour fasts and even three-day prolonged fasting to lower inflammation and encourage weight loss.

Controversies and Discussions

Mickelson and the use of medication, especially biologics such as Enbrel for psoriatic arthritis, has fueled a healthy debate in professional sports circles. Although they are crucial in controlling autoimmune disorders, biologics have the disadvantage of potential side effects and risks, such as a higher risk for infections, among other health problems.

In addition, Mickelson's endorsement of Enbrel in public has generated concerns about drug giants and that athletes may be used as the mouthpiece for meds while not fully disclosing side effects. Some critics say these drugs, while life-changing for some patients, must be taken cautiously and with strict medical oversight.

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