Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors belong to a new class of drugs which ha
ve anti-inflammatory efficacy similar to that of traditional non-steroidal
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but are associated with a reduced incidenc
e of adverse upper gastrointestinal events.
Biochemical evidence that COX-2 inhibitors could promote or exacerbate a te
ndency to thrombosis is supported by recent results from clinical trials an
d case reports.
Two agents in this class, celecoxib and rofecoxib, have been listed on the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for very broad indications in chronic
arthropathies, suggesting that they will move into widespread community use
.
It is important to canvass the possibility that use of these agents could b
e associated with thrombotic events.