NSAIDs and cardiovascular health

Reexamination of clinical studies and data from new clinical studies provided evidence that some cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitors may have additional cardiovascular (CV) risks associated with them. These additional risks are not shared by all of the new drugs, and individual patient risk factors must be considered in prescribing them for patients. Recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations for withdrawal of 2 of these drugs have raised questions for patients and physicians about use of the medications. Answers to these questions will determine how patients will use these drugs, and definitive answers will come from additional clinical studies.