Rofecoxib for osteoarthritis and pain
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the drug rofecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Sold under the trade name Vioxx, it belongs to a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors. It joins Celebrex as the second COX-2 inhibitor available to the public. Both drugs inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Several studies have found rofecoxib to be more effective than a placebo in treating arthritis pain. However, no large clinical trials have been done. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and indigestion.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Hyaluronan injections for osteoarthritis of the knee
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved two hyaluronan products to be given as injections for osteoarthritis of the knee. Sodium hyaluronate is sold under the trade name Hyalgan. It is similar to natural hyaluronan, a normal component of synovial fluid. Hyaluronate injections can make up for a deficiency of this chemical in the joint. The second product is hylan G-F 20, which is sold under the trade name Synvisc. It is a derivative of hyaluronan. The products appear to help some people but they are expensive and their effectiveness has not been proven.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Meloxicam (Mobic) for osteoarthritis
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Sold under the trade name Mobic, it belongs to the category of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may have no advantage over other NSAIDS, since it has caused gastrointestinal disorders in some patients who have taken it.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Does excess weight cause osteoarthritis and, if so, why? Sex hormones and the risk of osteoarthritis in women: epidemiological evidence
- Abstracts: The role of steering groups and project workers in NDUs. An overview of NDU practices and values. Staff role transition and emotional labour in NDUs
- Abstracts: Shape up for summer: 121 health and fitness tips to get you through the hot, dry season
- Abstracts: Second opinion: questions and answers. Head noise: annoying, but rarely a sign of a serious problem
- Abstracts: Risk screening for exposure to groundwater pollution in a wastewater irrigation district of the Mexico City region