COXIBs: The Better Alternative to Pain Relief

Although dubbed as the new generation of Super Aspirins because of its potency and efficacy in relieving pain – Coxibs, also known as Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors or COX-2 Inhibitors, are actually not like the regular aspirin. Aspirins belong to the traditional NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) group of pain medications, which also include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, ketoprofen, nabumetone, etc., while Coxibs are a new generation of pain relievers developed primarily to only inhibit the production of the COX-2 prostaglandin.

Unlike traditional pain relievers such as NSAIDs, Coxibs (like rofecoxib) act upon COX-2 enzyme only. Whereas NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Although NSAIDs effectively alleviate pain, they inadvertently inhibit the COX-1 which produces the prostaglandin that protects the stomach lining, thereby weakening the natural defense of the stomach. It is only the COX-2 derived prostaglandin that is responsible for the pain and inflammation. Coxibs inhibit only the COX-2 enzyme, leaving the COX-1 unaffected.

Inhibiting the COX-1 prostaglandin-producing enzyme, may inadvertently bring about side effects that cause gastro-intestinal irritations, which may further lead to gastro-intestinal bleeding or perforations, even peptic ulcers. Unknown to many, these commonly used over-the-counter NSAID pain relievers may adversely affect and damage the stomach’s lining, especially when used long term.

In the U.S., there have been numerous findings linking NSAIDs to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths due to gastro-intestinal bleeding and ulcers. It is common for arthritic patients to take as many as 10 tablets or more daily to relieve pain and stiffness. In doing so, they run the risk of abdominal pain, nausea, peptic ulcers, stomach or intestinal bleeding as possible side effects. It is important to note that those patients admitted into a hospital due to NSAID-related complications had no prior warning – previously experiencing no adverse symptoms.

Why take the risk? Dr. Adriano V. Laudico, noted surgeon and Chairman of the Pain Management Information Agency (PMIA), highly recommends rofecoxib as the safer alternative to pain relief. Dr. Laudico strongly believes that the pain medicines taken by a patient should not cause further damage to the patient’s health and well being. In relieving pain, we need not cause harm to our stomachs. A personal user of rofecoxib or VIOXX, Dr. Laudico finds this pain reliever safe and effective, particularly for his post-operative patients. Proven safe for use in treating pain in arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid, primary dysmenorrhea, and acute pain, and backed by numerous clinical findings - rofecoxib has been proven to have a safe heart and kidney profile, as well as its having no damaging effects on the stomach lining.

Dr. Laudico advises patients who need to take pain relievers on a regular and long-term basis, to seriously consider the effects and benefits of the medication they are currently taking. They should learn more about the possible side effects brought about by the more commonly used NSAIDs, and possibly opt to try the better alternative – Coxibs (rofecoxib). Ask your doctor about this new class of pain relievers.

For comments and insights, please write to Pain Management Information Agency (PMIA) P.O. Box 3485 Makati, fax 892-3968 or e-mail at paincare@pmia.com.phPMIA was established primarily to increase public awareness and understanding of pain and to recommend appropriate medical and practical ways to manage and control pain.