Are COX-2 Drugs For You?

Tuesday, October 01, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Millions of people with arthritis pain find relief from COX-2 inhibitors, drugs introduced in 1999, which offer pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Some COX-2 inhibitors have been shown to have less potential for causing harm to the stomach and digestive system than other pain-relief medications.

Ask your doctor if COX-2 drugs are a good choice for your pain relief needs. One recent study found that COX-2 drugs, which cost considerably more than most generic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), are over-prescribed. Other research has raised questions about increased cardiovascular risks for those taking these drugs.

The October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter notes that COX-2 inhibitors might offer benefits for:

* People at increased risk of bleeding, including those taking blood-thinning medications.

* People who have a history of previous gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease.

* Some people over age 65 because the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding generally increases with age.

* People who have had significant stomach complications or are NSAID-intolerant.

* People who have taken several conventional NSAIDs without adequate pain relief.

Shelly Plutowski
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page, monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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