Abstract
[Extract] The risk for serious GI complications from NSAIDs is known to be
greater in certain at-risk groups, such as elderly persons and those with
serious chronic diseases. This is because their background risk is high, so
the additional effect of NSAIDs results in a greater excess risk. Until now,
the belief that the relative safety of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective
inhibitors compared with nonselective NSAIDs is greatest in such highrisk groups has been based on assumptions rather than evidence. This reanalysis by Laine and colleagues of the VIOXX Gastrointestinal
Outcomes Research (VIGOR) trial comparing rofecoxib with naproxen
confirms the advantage of the more selective drug in high-risk patients.
greater in certain at-risk groups, such as elderly persons and those with
serious chronic diseases. This is because their background risk is high, so
the additional effect of NSAIDs results in a greater excess risk. Until now,
the belief that the relative safety of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective
inhibitors compared with nonselective NSAIDs is greatest in such highrisk groups has been based on assumptions rather than evidence. This reanalysis by Laine and colleagues of the VIOXX Gastrointestinal
Outcomes Research (VIGOR) trial comparing rofecoxib with naproxen
confirms the advantage of the more selective drug in high-risk patients.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 51 |
| Journal | ACP Journal Club |
| Volume | 138 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs |
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| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
| Externally published | Yes |