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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 27 No. 6 2004
COX-2 inhibitors and heart disease
p>The COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, are medicines for arthritis that belong to a group known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stomach ulcers are a side effect of these medicines, but occur less often with COX-2 inhibitors.
Although COX-2 inhibitors have an advantage in stomach side effects, some studies suggest they have disadvantages. One study found that people taking a COX-2 inhibitor were more likely to have a heart attack.
Patients who are at risk of a heart attack or stroke may need to take aspirin. They should not stop their aspirin if they are also prescribed a COX-2 inhibitor.
Although COX-2 inhibitors are more expensive than older NSAIDs, they are not more effective.
