What are COX-2 selective inhibitor drugs?
Bextra (valdecoxib), and Vioxx, a similar drug now withdrawn from the market, are members of a class of drugs called COX-2 selective inhibitors. They were developed as an alternative to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. NSAIDs work by blocking the COX-2 enzyme in the body, which reduces swelling and associated pain; however, they also block the COX-1, which involves digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause serious GI side effects, including ulcers, burns and bleeding in the stomach lining. COX-2 selective inhibitors, however, block the inflammation-causing COX-2 enzyme only, an action that, theoretically, should preserve all of the NSAID benefits while eliminating the gastrointestinal side effects. What dangers are associated with Bextra? Controversy began when Pfizer, Inc. made an announcement on October 15, 2004, revealing information from two trials linking the use of Bextra in patients undergoing heart bypass s
