[The medical reason for the prescription of COX-2 selective cyclo oxygenase inhibitor rofecoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A post-marketing surveillance study from Austria]

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2005 May;155(9-10):211-6. doi: 10.1007/s10354-005-0171-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

This study was designed to analyze reasons why rheumatologists prescribed coxibs instead of non-selective NSAIDs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Austria. A simple questionnaire was distributed among interested doctors of internal or orthopedic medicine in medical practices treating patients with rheumatic diseases. 730 patients with rheumatoid arthritis could be included in this study. The argument most often mentioned was the low incidence of gastrointestinal side-effects followed by analgesic effectiveness compared with non-selective NSAIDs. Easy to use, age of patients and general tolerability were further reasons for the decision to prescribe rofecoxib.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Austria
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Prescriptions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactones / adverse effects
  • Lactones / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Sulfones / adverse effects
  • Sulfones / therapeutic use*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • Lactones
  • Sulfones
  • rofecoxib