What are COX-2 Inhibitors?

COX-2 inhibitors were developed in the late 1990's as a new class of painkillers. The most popular examples of these drugs are Vioxx, developed by Merck Pharmaceuticals and used by upwards of 20 million Americans since its introduction.

COX-2 inhibitors are selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These painkillers were developed to be more effective at stopping pain while being gentler on the stomach than existing painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Aleve. However, new evidence has come to light that suggests the dangers posed by COX-2 inhibitors may far outweigh any benefits.

COX-2 inhibitors work by blocking the COX-2 enzyme that is thought to contribute to pain and inflammation. They specifically do NOT block the COX-1 enzyme, which protects the stomach lining from acids, making them easier to digest. However, the role of these enzymes in the body is not fully known. It is also thought that the COX-1 enzyme encourages blood clotting while the COX-2 enzyme inhibits clotting. COX-2 inhibitors that block COX-2 enzymes and allow COX-1 enzymes are now thought to increase blood clotting, an excess of which can lead to coronary events like heart attacks and strokes.

On January 17, 2005, the journal Circulation published a report on its website with evidence linking ALL COX-2 inhibitors with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the Washington Post. The study was lead by Dr. Garret FitzGerald, a cardiologist and pharmacologist at the University of Pennsylvania who has taken a leading role in demonstrating the risks of COX-2 inhibitor Bextra. He and his research team gave mice a COX-2 inhibitor similar to Celebrex and, according to Kaisernetwork.org, "observed 'dangerously unstable' deposits of plaque, which makes artery walls more likely to rupture and activate clotting and could lead to a heart attack or stroke in humans".

On February 14, 2005, WellPoint Health Networks, the nation's largest health insurer, released a study confirming the link between COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra and increased cardiovascular risk. Participants taking Vioxx and Celebrex had a 20% increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Those taking Bextra had their risk increased by 50%.

It now appears that the side effects caused by the entire class of COX-2 inhibitors may be far worse than any potential benefit. In fact, no study has ever shown that COX-2 inhibitors offer significantly better relief than the traditional NSAID family of drugs that includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

"The FDA is saying they can't be sure these drugs are safe. Well, if they're concerned, perhaps people shouldn't be using [the drugs] at all" - Dr. David Graham, FDA

If you or a loved one have taken a COX-2 inhibitor like Vioxx, Celebrex or Bextra and have experienced any side effects, including blood clots, heart attacks, strokes or even sudden death, contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.

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