Study: Fewer Osteoarthritis Patients Quit Rofecoxib Than Naproxen Due to Stomach Side Effects

Fewer osteoarthritis patients have to discontinue therapy with rofecoxib than naproxen due to negative gastrointestinal side effects, according to a study reported in the October issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The study compared the gastrointestinal effects of rofecoxib and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen in 5,557 osteoarthritis patients whose average age was 63 years. The participants were given rofecoxib or naproxen daily.

About 6 percent of the patients taking rofecoxib and 8 percent of those taking naproxen stopped taking the drugs because of gastrointestinal side effects. Among aspirin users, about 5 percent taking rofecoxib and 9 percent taking naproxen stopped taking the drugs.

Two patients taking rofecoxib and 9 patients taking naproxen had major problems such as an ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. About 9 percent of patients taking rofecoxib and about 11 percent taking naproxen took medicines, such as antacids, to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms.

Other sources: Annals on Internal Medicine 2003 139:7; 539-546