According to recent news reports, Vioxx and the other similar drugs, Celebrex and Bextra, are dangerous and should not be used. Other reports claim the risk is minimal. These drugs are primarily used in the treatment of arthritis and related disorders.

A few months ago the manufacturer of Vioxx voluntarily removed the drug from the market, based on the results of a study suggesting an increase in the number of coronary events for those on Vioxx. Since the study was not designed to determine cardiac risks, the only sound conclusion is that there appears to be an increased risk and that this risk should be further evaluated. Additionally, it is reasonable to evaluate all similar drugs for cardiac risk. Bextra has been taken off the market for other reasons.

Modern medicine is a constant struggle to ensure that Òthe treatment is not worse than the cureÒ while preventing unnecessary suffering on the part of the patient. For some patients these drugs are the only source of pain relief that works. This is why Celebrex has remained on the market.

There remains a lot of controversy about this class of drug, the Cox 2 inhibiters. Some experts say the risks are overstated, while equally respected authorities are saying the risk is being downplayed. The bottom line: Treatment decisions should be based on your needs and desires after an evaluation by a professional. Your health care decisions are too important to be made based only on information found in a news article.

If you are using these medications, talk with your health care provider about your situation. Together you might consider trying an alternative, such as the non steroidal anti inflammatories, Naprosyn or Motrin, alone or with an acid reducer. Tylenol remains an option for many. Be sure and remind your care provider of any ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorder you have ever had. The anti inflammatories might increase the risks of this type disease.

If you have tried the alternatives without success and do not have significant cardiac risk factors, the remaining COX 2 inhibiter, Celebrex may be the only drug that provides relief. In this case you and your care provider must decide if the small but aapparent risk of cardiac disease is worth the benefit.

Additional information can be found at the Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org.

Fredrick G. May
Physician Assistant, Certified

Fred is a Physician Assistant with Eagle River Family Practice 694-4333. Please see our ad on this page. He may also be reached at House Calls of Eagle River, 696-5246