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Celecoxib

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • this is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent which is a specific inhibitor of enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2. Celecoxib is licensed for the symptom relief in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (1)

  • the sparing of the COX-1 isoenzyme should, in theory, result in reduced gastrointestinal side-effects and improves tolerability. However the evidence that COX-2 selectivity reduces the risk of serious upper gastrointestinal side effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer perforation, points towards some reduction of risk but the advantage over conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appears small (1)

  • there is evidence that celecoxib has an anti-inflammatory effect as potent as diclofenac in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (2)

Advice for Prescribers in light of concerns about cardiovascular safety of COX-2 inhibitors (3)

  • patients treated with any COX-2 inhibitor who have established ischaemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disease should be switched to alternative (non-COX-2 selective) treatments as soon as is convenient.
  • for all patients, alternative treatments should be considered in light of an individual assessment of risks and benefits of COX-2 inhibitors, in particular cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and other risk factors.
  • prescribers are reminded that for all NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors), the lowest effective dose should be used, for the shortest duration necessary.
  • for patients switched to chronic non-selective NSAIDs, consideration should be given to the possible need for gastro-protective treatments.

Reference

  1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2000); 38 (11):81-86.
  2. Emery P, Zeidler H, Kveim TK et al (1999). Celecoxib versus diclofenac in long-term management of rheumatoid arthritis: randomised double-blind comparison. Lancet; 354:2106-11.
  3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (December 2004). Advice on the use of celecoxib and other selective cox-2 inhibitors in light of concerns about cardiovascular safety.

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