NSAIDs, Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors, and the Risk for Stroke

Findings from an observational study further demonstrate the hazards of rofecoxib and valdecoxib but provide reassurance about currently marketed agents.

Strong evidence indicates that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors increase the risk for cardiovascular events in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the specific risk for stroke conferred by these agents, investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study among Tennessee Medicaid enrollees aged 50 to 84 between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2004. The study drugs included the COX-2 inhibitors and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) most commonly used during that time: celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin. Nonusers of NSAIDs comprised the reference group.

The entire cohort encompassed 336,906 individuals, of whom 65% were women, 74% were white, and 74% were younger than 65. …

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

NSAIDs, Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors, and the Risk for Stroke

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Reviewing Author