[The medical reason for the prescription of COX-2 selective cyclo oxygenase inhibitor rofecoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A post-marketing surveillance study from Austria].
This study was designed to analyze reasons why rheumatologists prescribed coxibs instead of non-selective NSAIDs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Austria. A simple questionnaire was distributed among interested doctors of internal or orthopedic medicine in medical practices treating patients with rheumatic diseases. 730 patients with rheumatoid arthritis could be included in this study. The argument most often mentioned was the low incidence of gastrointestinal side-effects followed by analgesic effectiveness compared with non-selective NSAIDs. Easy to use, age of patients and general tolerability were further reasons for the decision to prescribe rofecoxib.
Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Osterreich.
Paul
P
Lüth
Manfred
M
Herold
Erich
E
Mur
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001317:Austria; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D013450:Sulfones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib