According to a news interview with Irving Azoff, the Eagles’ manager, there have been no public reports about the medications that Frey was taking. The website TheWrap, which focuses on news media and entertainment, stated that Frey’s death was due to complications from acute ulcerative colitis, pneumonia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Azoff informed TheWrap that the colitis and pneumonia were adverse reactions resulting from the numerous medications. “His demise was a result of complications of ulcerative colitis following the administration of drugs for his rheumatoid arthritis, which he had been suffering from for more than 15 years,” Azoff explained.
Frey, who was recuperating at his home in Los Angeles, reported in the October 1994 issue of People magazine that he had diverticulitis, an inflammation of the colon. This condition interrupted the Eagles’ Hell Freezes Over reunion tour, as Frey missed a concert benefit in California due to his intestinal disorder. The Washington Post reports that Frey had been dealing with intestinal problems for at least 30 years, with the first signs of disease or death being impossible for doctors to determine without consulting Frey himself.
These drugs largely work by suppressing the immune response that causes damage in both colitis ulcerative and RA. A number of drugs, including corticosteroids and methotrexate, azathioprine, sulfasalazine, and TNF inhibitors, are used in the treatment of both conditions. David Pisetsky, a professor of immunology and medicine at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, says that there is an overlap in the treatments for colitis ulcerative and RA, and some forms of inflammatory arthritis are accompanied by bowel disease. However, experts say it is unlikely that the medications he took for RA directly caused his death or were involved in his care for Frey’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the rectum and colon.
Infections, such as pneumonia, enhance vulnerability to infections by inhibiting the immune response that results in tissue harm. They can result in significant adverse effects. According to Eric Matteson, MD, a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, these medications are not insignificant. Although current treatments for RA significantly enhance quality of life, minimize long-term joint damage, and potentially prolong the lifespan of individuals with RA.
Dr. Matteson, as reported by TMZ, says that all of these factors could have contributed to pneumonia, and he also mentioned that the band needed major surgery, which would require a lengthy recovery time. It was reported that Frey had a relapse of intestinal issues, which forced the Eagles to cancel their appearance at the Kennedy Honors Center in December. Additionally, the risk of infection increases with surgery, hospitalization, and age. People with RA already have a twofold increased risk of infection.
“We lack the means to ascertain. Would he have experienced those 15 fruitful years? Dr. Matteson contemplates the potential quality of Frey’s life without the medications, however, instead of emphasizing the potential harm caused by the medications, numerous patients express significant worries regarding the side effects of the medications, particularly upon learning about Frey’s demise. It is widely known.”
The life span for individuals with RA has advanced over the past two decades, however, it remains lower compared to that of an individual in the overall population. Particularly, individuals with RA face an elevated likelihood of experiencing other medical issues, such as heart disease, respiratory problems, and specific types of cancer. Although Frey’s passing may not have been directly caused by RA, Dr. Matteson asserts that his story conveys the gravity of RA. Alongside the increased susceptibility to infections, individuals with RA also face an elevated risk of encountering other health complications.
Dr. Pisetsky emphasizes the importance of proper treatment and monitoring for individuals with RA, along with staying updated on vaccinations and using medications at the minimal effective dosages to manage the condition. It is essential for doctors and patients to have a thorough conversation regarding the potential risks and advantages before initiating or discontinuing any treatment.