Is the concern with Cox-2 drugs only in elderly people?
While studies have shown heart risks in people 65 and over, the issues raised pertain to any patient with underlying risk factors for heart disease or stroke. This means not only the elderly may be at risk, but also those who have underlying heart disease or known blood vessel disease, such as atherosclerosis or calcification of blood vessels. Caution might be also be used for those with high blood pressure and a tendency toward fluid retention (edema). It has been shown that all anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen and Cox-2 inhibitors) can worsen blood pressure or cause fluid retention. Patients should be monitored for such side effects. Similarly, in the elderly who are at risk for kidney problems or in any patient with kidney disease, anti-inflammatory drugs should be used cautiously with close monitoring of kidney function.
