Safety of celecoxib in patients with cutaneous reactions due to ASA-NSAIDs intolerance.
BACKGROUND
Pseudo-allergic reactions against aspirin (ASA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are quite frequent.


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to determine tolerance of Celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), by oral challenge test in patients who showed skin reactions (diffuse erythema or urticaria/angioedema) after taking ASA and/or NSAIDs.


METHODS
The oral challenge test was carried out in single-blind on 86 patients treated with a 200 mg cumulative dose of Celebrex, administered in 3 or 4 visits at 48-72 hours interval.


RESULTS
Only 4 patients showed mild skin reactions. In addition, we observed 37 patients with osteoarthrosis taking a 200-400 mg/day dose of Celebrex 5-6 times a week, over a period of 75 days. At day 36, we observed in a single patient urticarial phenomena appeared on the chest and the back.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study proves therefore Celecoxib safety on a 72-hour observation period.
Allergology Service, Ospedale Maggiore, Verona, Italy.
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L
Andri
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Falagiani
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000799:Angioedema / Q000139:chemically induced; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D000068579:Celecoxib; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000068579:Celecoxib; D001241:Aspirin