title: Formulary decision-making considerations: COX-2 inhibitors.
abstract: When deciding the formulary status of a drug, Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees must consider clinical efficacy, safety, financial implications, MCO population demographics, and other formulary options currently available. Differences in safety and effectiveness among drug classes and among drugs in the same class commonly take precedence over all other considerations, including economic ones. Particularly in light of recent events, the case of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors for the treatment of arthritis yields interesting perspectives into formulary decision making.
authors.affiliation: Center on Drugs & Public Policy, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore 21201, USA. fshaya@rx.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Fadia T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Shaya
authors.forename: Winston
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: James Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: LeeAnn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Navendu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Samant
mesh_terms: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005569:Formularies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors