Does rofecoxib work to treat rheumatoid arthritis and how safe is it?
To answer this question, scientists working with the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group found and analyzed two high quality studies. These studies include over 8700 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and about 80% were women. Most people received 25 or 50 mg of rofecoxib once a day over 8 weeks or 9 months. These studies provide the best evidence we have today. What is rofecoxib (Vioxx)? Rofecoxib (Vioxx) is often referred to as a ‘COX II inhibitor’ and is one of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed to decrease pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Other NSAIDS, such as naproxen (Naprosyn) are also prescribed but they come with warnings that they may cause digestive side effects such as ulcers, bleeds and perforations that can be serious. Rofecoxib is thought to be safer on the stomach than other NSAIDS but can be more expensive. Rofecoxib was taken off the market at the end of September 2004. A study had shown that people taking rofecoxib to preven
