Summary

VIOXXâ (rofecoxib, MSD) is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent that belongs to the new Cyclooxygenase-2 Specific Inhibitors (COX-2) class, newly recognized by the World Health Organization.

The clinical studies using rofecoxib as a daily single oral dose in patients with osteoarthrosis, acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea demonstrated efficacy comparable to high doses of conventional Non Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen. In addition, a gastrointestinal (GI) safety profile, measured as incidence of endoscopic GI ulcers, incidence of ulcers, bleeding and perforations, GI permeability and fecal blood loss, similar to that of placebo and superior than those of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac, nabumetone and indometacin.

Based in the results of various clinical studies, it is possible to conclude that the COX-2 specific inhibitors represent an important progress in the treatment of pain and inflammation.