Rofecoxib: new preparation.  A disappointing NSAID analgesic.
(1) Rofecoxib, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, is licensed in France for symptom relief in osteoarthritis. It is promoted by MSD-Chibret as a "specific inhibitor of type 2 cyclooxygenases (COX-2)". (2) The clinical dossier includes trials versus other antiinflammatory drugs, but the reports available are generally vague. Rofecoxib has not been compared with paracetamol. (3) In these trials rofecoxib 12.5-25 mg/day was no more effective than the comparators (ibuprofen or diclofenac) used at maximal recommended doses. (4) Relative to other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs prescribed at high doses to selected patients in the controlled conditions of clinical trials, rofecoxib only moderately reduces the risk of severe gastrointestinal reactions (1.3% versus 1.8% after a year of treatment) and dyspeptic disorders (23.5% versus 25.5%). (5) Questions persist on other adverse effects, especially those potentially affecting the kidneys and heart. (6) Rofecoxib is subject to the same precautions (pregnancy, interactions, etc.) as other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones