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COX-2 Inhibitors Information
COX-2 Inhibitors include the drugs Vioxx® (rofecoxib), Bextra® (valdecoxib) and Celebrex® (celecoxib). COX-2 inhibitors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and are prescribed to treat arthritis and muscle pain. Numerous studies have found increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in patients using COX-2 inhibitors. This class of drugs was intended to treat pain but with decreased gastrointestinal side effects associated with the older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. COX-2 inhibitors work by blocking the COX-2 enzyme, whereas the older NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
Vioxx® was withdrawn by Merck and Co. on September 30, 2004 after a study was released demonstrating an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
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Bextra® was withdrawn by Pfizer on April 7, 2005 due to the drug’
s side effects including heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and skin
disorders such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic
Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
Celebrex® is the only COX-2 inhibitor that remains on the market.
Many doctors and patients have criticized Merck, Pfizer and the
FDA for allowing Vioxx®, Bextra® and Celebrex® to remain on the
market for years following their approval despite numerous early
findings of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular risks and
skin disorders.
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