COX_2 inhibitors.

• COX_2 inhibitors are a class of drugs which selectively inhibit COX-2, an enzyme involved in the inflammation pathway, while sparing COX-1, thereby reducing gastrointestinal toxicity (upset stomach).

• From Wikipedia

  COX_2 selective inhibitor is a form of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that directly targets COX-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain. Selectivity for COX-2 reduces the risk of peptic ulceration, and is the main feature of celecoxib, rofecoxib and other members of this drug class. Cox-2-selectivity does not seem to affect other adverse-effects of NSAIDs (most notably an increased risk of renal failure), and some results have aroused the suspicion that there might be an increase in the risk for heart attack, thrombosis and stroke by a relative increase in thromboxane. Rofecoxib was taken off the market in 2004 because of these concerns.

• The COX2 enzyme was discovered in 1998 by Daniel Simmons, a Brigham Young University researcher formerly of Harvard University. Dr. Simmons immediately understood the importance of his discovery. The same day the enzyme was sequenced, he had his notebook notarized as proof of his discovery. Subsequently, Monsanto, the research firm with whom Dr. Simmons had contracted, fraudulently broke contract and refused to give Dr. Simmons any royalties and profits from his discovery. A lawsuit is currently in progress by Dr. Simmons against the drug developers.

• Like many others I used Celebrex and Vioxx. They worked very well and I had no side effects. I was, however, shocked by the poor job the FDA did in approving these COX_2 inhibitors. In fact, there was some documentation available to show that researchers had known about the potential problems with this type of medicine. Did you use these drugs? What was your response? Vioxx really helped reduce my pain and when I lost use of these drugs I found no good alternatives.

• Although individual reactions to particular NSAIDs vary, in general the efficacy of COX-2 inhibitors has proved similar to that of other NSAIDs, as expected since both classes of drug inhibit the desired target, the action of COX-2 enzymes. The drugs's effectiveness is similar to that of traditional NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen.

• On September 27, 2004 Vioxx (Rofecoxib) was withdrawn voluntarily from the market, due to an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. At present it is unclear whether this adverse effect pertains also to other drugs of this group or is specific for Vioxx.

• Beasley Allen Law Firm is spearheading the review of over 31,000 claims against the manufacturers of Bextra, Celebrex and Vioxx.

Try something other than a COX_2 medicine. There are other options.
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