Efficacy of the Newest COX-2 Selective Inhibitors in Rheumatic Disease

Title: Efficacy of the Newest COX-2 Selective Inhibitors in Rheumatic Disease

Volume: 13 Issue: 22

Author(s): Herbert S.B. Baraf

Affiliation:

Keywords: Etoricoxib, lumiracoxib, COX-2 selective inhibitors, rheumatic disease

Abstract: Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are standard treatment for the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Traditional NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors exhibit comparable efficacy, with different safety profiles. Traditional NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events versus COX-2 selective inhibitors, and chronic use frequently necessitates adjunctive therapy with gastroprotective agents. COX-2 selective inhibitors are often used in preference to avoid these GI adverse events. Recent studies have raised the concern that COX-2 selective inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs appear to be associated with a higher incidence of thrombotic cardiovascular events versus placebo. The key in prescribing these agents is for the physician to take a proactive approach to patient management and evaluation of GI and cardiovascular risk factors. This review examines the role of the newest COX-2 selective inhibitors, etoricoxib and lumiracoxib, in treating rheumatic disease.

Cite this article as:

Herbert S.B. Baraf , Efficacy of the Newest COX-2 Selective Inhibitors in Rheumatic Disease, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2007; 13 (22) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161207781368819