New arthritis drugs less likely to cause side effectsSeptember 18, 2002A new group of arthritis drugs recommended by NICE for patients at risk of gastrointestinal complications may be safer than traditional drugs, research in this week's BMJ suggests. Claims that the drugs, known as selective COX2 inhibitors, caused fewer gastrointestinal problems than traditional arthritis drugs led to an increase in their use, but the research on which they were based was criticised. Two studies in this week's BMJ, however, show that the risk of gastrointestinal complications associated with selective COX 2 inhibitors is lower than that associated with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In the first study researchers in Oxford reviewed all trials of the safety and effectiveness of celecoxib, a COX 2 inhibitor used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It was found to be as effective as other NSAIDs and less likely to cause problems such as ulcers. In the second, researchers in Toronto compared the rates of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in elderly users of COX2 inhibitors with those of users of other NSAIDs and a group not using NSAIDs at all. They found that the risk of haemorrhage with the COX2 inhibitors was significantly lower than with conventional NSAIDs. In users of celecoxib, the risk was as similar to that of the group not using NSAIDs at all. In an accompanying editorial, Dr Roger Jones welcomes the findings but points out that many questions remain unanswered. Neither study comments on death rates and it may not be appropriate to view COX 2 inhibitors as a homogeneous group. More research is needed before doctors can make rational decisions about the drugs, he concludes. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Related Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News Articles Hodgkin lymphoma -- new characteristics discovered Researchers are still discovering new characteristics of Hodgkin lymphoma, a common form of cancer of the lymphatic system. The malignant cells are derived from white blood cells (B cells), but have lost a considerable part of the B cell-specific gene expression pattern. Incorporating Education in Exercise Programs Increases Benefits for Arthritis Patients, MU Researchers Find Arthritis is the nation's most common cause of disability. The number of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase to 67 million by 2030, and a large proportion of U.S. adults will limit their activity as a result. Discovery of natural compounds that could slow blood vessel growth Using computer models and live cell experiments, biomedical engineers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered more than 100 human protein fragments that can slow or stop the growth of cells that make up new blood vessels. UCR researchers propose minocycline as a promising drug for patients with Fragile X syndrome A UC Riverside-led team of biomedical scientists has found that a readily available drug called minocycline, used widely to treat acne and skin infections, can be used to treat Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental impairment and the most common cause of autism. New study proves that pain is not a symptom of arthritis, pain causes arthritis Pain is more than a symptom of osteoarthritis, it is an inherent and damaging part of the disease itself, according to a study published today in journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. Supplements no better than placebo in slowing cartilage loss in knees of osteoarthritis patients In a two-year multicenter study led by University of Utah doctors, the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate performed no better than placebo in slowing the rate of cartilage loss in the knees of osteoarthritis patients. Occupational therapy gets people with osteoarthritis moving Physical activity is the cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle - and especially for people with osteoarthritis as exercise helps maintain good joint health, manage their symptoms, and prevent functional decline. Osteoarthritis, however, often makes physical activity, such as exercise, and even performing daily activities, a challenge. Working environment is 1 cause of rheumatoid arthritis It has long been known that environmental factors play a part in the development of rheumatoid arthritis; smoking and drinking alcohol, along with heredity, are particularly instrumental in increasing the risk of the disease. Sinusitis patients have pain similar to the elderly and people with arthritis A new analysis led by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center suggests many patients with sinusitis have aches and pains similar in severity to people in their 80s and those with arthritis or depression. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients Patients with IBD have high risk of infection by hepatitis viruses B or C because during the course of their disease, they need blood transfusions, and sometimes surgical and endoscopic procedures for diagnosis and treatment. More Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News Articles |
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