GI Complications with COX-2 Inhibitors

Two studies add to the growing body of evidence that risk is increased with these drugs.

With one selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor — celecoxib — still available in the U.S. and another — etoricoxib — under review (Journal Watch Feb 21 2007), the gastrointestinal side-effect profile of these drugs remains of interest.

In a nested case-control study, researchers used a population-based U.K. database to compare 1561 patients with upper gastrointestinal complications (nonvariceal bleeding or perforation) and 10,000 age- and sex-matched controls. After adjustment for potentially confounding variables, the relative risk for upper GI complications was significantly elevated among current users of both traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (RR, 3.7) and COX-2 inhibitors (RR, 2.6). Concurrent aspirin use eliminated t…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD