Withdrawal of COX-2 selective inhibitors rofecoxib and valdecoxib: impact on NSAID and gastroprotective drug prescribing and utilization

Abstract

After the withdrawal of COX-2 inhibitors rofecoxib and valdecoxib, there were significant increases in non-selective NSAID and PPI prescriptions but not H2RA and misoprostol. Given the safety concerns with the NSAIDs, further studies are warranted regarding the clinical outcomes associated with the increased use of non-selective NSAIDs with or without gastroprotective agents.