INFO - Determining Appropriate Use: COX-2 Inhibitors vs. NSAIDs

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American Family Physician

August 1, 2004

" Determining Appropriate Use: COX-2 Inhibitors vs. NSAIDs " :

" The use of selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors has increased

substantially since this new class of medication was approved by the

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. COX-2 inhibitors are significantly

less likely to cause gastrointestinal ulcers than the nonselective

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The efficacy of these two

classes of medications is the same. This decrease in gastrointestinal

toxicity comes at a substantial cost, with the average wholesale price

of a COX-2 inhibitor being 10 to 20 times greater than the price of

generic ibuprofen. Because little is known about what factors influence

the use of COX-2 inhibitors, and colleagues examined the effects

of patient risk factors for gastrointestinal toxicity, other patient

characteristics, and physician prescribing preferences on the decision

to prescribe a COX-2 inhibitor. "

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