Rofecoxib, a new cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, shows sustained efficacy, comparable with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A 6-week and a 1-year trial in patients with osteoarthritis

Introduction: Rofecoxib, a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (sometimes known as a specific cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor or Coxib), is used in osteoarthritis (OA). Published information indicates rofecoxib's improved gastrointestinal safety profile over nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rofecoxib in treating OA in 2 studies. Methods: Two randomized, double-blind, parallel-group studies in patients with OA of the knee or hip were conducted using identical entry criteria and end points. A 6-week placebo-controlled trial in 736 patients compared 12.5 and 25 mg of rofecoxib once daily with 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 times daily, and a 1-year study compared 12.5 and 25 mg of rofecoxib once daily with 50 mg of diclofenac 3 times daily in 693 patients. Results: Rofecoxib, at 12.5 and 25 mg, demonstrated efficacy clinically comparable with ibuprofen, assessed by 3 primary end points according to predefined comparability criteria. Both rofecoxib doses and ibuprofen provided significantly greater efficacy than placebo on all primary end points at 6 weeks. Both rofecoxib doses and diclofenac showed similar efficacy over 1 year. All treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions: Rofecoxib is effective in treating OA with once-daily dosing for 6 weeks and 1 year. Rofecoxib was generally safe and well-tolerated in OA patients for 6 weeks and 1 year.