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Gastrointestinal Bleeds Associated with Rofecoxib
Author(s) -
Foral Pamela A.,
Wilson Amy F.,
Nystrom Kelly K.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.22.5.384.33193
Subject(s) - rofecoxib , medicine , gastrointestinal tract , cyclooxygenase , adverse effect , gastrointestinal bleeding , antiinflammatory drug , nonsteroidal , prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase , gastroenterology , pharmacology , intensive care medicine , enzyme , biochemistry , chemistry
Data suggest that cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors are safer for the gastrointestinal tract than traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Rofecoxib, a COX‐2‐specific NSAID, does not inhibit the COX‐1 enzyme, thereby decreasing the potential for gastrointestinal‐related adverse effects. Patients who are at an increased risk for NSAID‐related gastrointestinal bleeding are therefore appropriate candidates for COX‐2 inhibitors. Although the agents provide benefits for many patients, gastrointestinal‐related side effects may occur, and caution should be practiced when prescribing COX‐2 inhibitors. We report two patients who were admitted to the hospital with diagnoses of gastrointestinal bleeds while they were taking rofecoxib.