Results from a patient survey to assess gastrointestinal burden of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy contrasted with a review of data from EVA to determine satisfaction with rofecoxib.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have frequently been linked with unpleasant gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects such as dyspepsia and ulcers. The present study investigated the burden of NSAID therapy from a patient perspective and also reviewed previously published data on satisfaction with a less gastrotoxic anti-inflammatory drug, rofecoxib. A questionnaire was sent to > 6000 members of the Norwegian Rheumatism Association requesting information on use and toxicity of NSAID therapy and requirements for supplementary gastroprotective and analgesic medication. The questionnaire confirmed a high incidence of NSAID use. About two-thirds of users changed brands of NSAIDs at least once, usually because of adverse effects and poor efficacy. Supplementary over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription analgesics were required by 72 and 59% of patients, respectively, while OTC and prescription gastroprotective agents to treat NSAID toxicity were required by 35 and 30%. This new patient-focused survey showed that treatment with conventional NSAIDs was unsatisfactory in terms of GI toxicity and sub-optimal pain relief. Reviewing EVA (Experience with VIOXX in Arthritis) data showed that there was a high level of approval for rofecoxib, with > 80% of 74,192 osteoarthritis (OA) patients expressing a preference for continuing such therapy. Preference for rofecoxib was significantly higher among patients with prior experience of conventional NSAIDs or other OA-specific medication. In EVA, the reduced GI toxicity of rofecoxib previously reported in other studies appeared to translate into a strong preference to continue this therapy in a large sample of patients. This is not surprising, given the poor satisfaction with NSAIDs highlighted by the Norwegian survey.
Steinfeld
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Department of Rheumatology, Erasme University Hospital, route de Lennik 808, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium.
Bjørke
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D017281:Cost of Illness; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D013450:Sulfones
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib