EDITORIAL - Aspirin: antiinflammatory drug of choice in 2011?

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Journal of Rheumatology

Editorial

Feb 2011

ALEXANDRA M. TILIAKOS, MD

DOYT L. CONN, MD

Aspirin: Antiinflammatory Drug of Choice in 2011?

Now that 40 years have passed since the introduction of ibuprofen, and

6 years since the recall of rofecoxib, we must examine the question:

Are non-aspirin nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) more

effective or less toxic than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA)? We

suggest that ASA, with its indisputable antiinflammatory properties

and better side effect profile [with respect to cardiovascular (CV),

kidney, and central nervous system (CNS) toxicities] should be

reconsidered as antiinflammatory of choice in certain patient

populations.

The landscape of NSAID use has changed over the years, as reflected by

changing prescription patterns. In this issue of The Journal, a study

by Rahme and colleagues1​ examines the differences in prescribing

patterns pre- and post-rofecoxib removal among patients with variable

degrees of gastrointestinal (GI), CV, and renal risk factors. To

understand the current outlook on NSAID use and the present changing

prescription practices, however, we must first take a look at the

history of NSAID use.

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Read the entire editorial here:

http://jrheum.org/content/38/2/185.full

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