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Cyclo-oxygenease-2 (COX-2) inhibitors such as rofecoxib were designed to reduce the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding associated with traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, they have been found to increase the risk for MI and stroke. These compounds promote platelet activation and thrombosis and might accelerate atherosclerosis, extending cardiovascular risk beyond discontinuation of drug use.
Investigators used extended follow-up data from the Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx (APPROVe) study, the prematurely terminated trial that led to the voluntary withdrawal of rofecoxib from the market, to determine if the cardiovascular effects of the drug persisted after discontinuation of treatment. They also used proper sta…