Comparison of conventional NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in outpatients

Conclusions. - The powerful advertisement campaigns that surrounded the introduction of COX2 inhibitors rapidly affected practice patterns regarding the prescription of antiinflammatory drugs. The study reported here showed a significantly greater likelihood of receiving COX2 inhibitors in older patients taking multiple medications, a population known to be at increased risk for drug-induced cardiovascular events. Evidence obtained after the present study established that COX2 inhibitors carry a risk of cardiovascular side effects. Rofecoxib has been removed from the market, and new recommendations have been issued regarding other COX2 inhibitors.