Vioxx versus Celebrex. what's the difference?

They are both Cox3 inhibitors, and they can both cause death above the recommended dose or for usage longer than 5 days.

The FDA did not ban Vioxx, but it was voluntarily taken off the market by the manufacturers, Merck. This was due to concerns about heart problems as you stated, found in a study that was conducted by the FDA. Overuse or prolonged use was linked to increased occurance of heart problems. Celebrex does have similar side effects, but because the exact drug composition is likely different, perhaps this side effect wasn’t as prevalent.

Here’s the Celebrex Black Box:

WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL RISKS

Cardiovascular Risk

* Celebrex may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have a similar risk. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk.
* Celebrex is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Gastrointestinal Risk

* NSAIDs, including Celebrex, cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.

Thanks. i took Vioxx for about two years, then i was switched to Celebrex, which i take daily. every six months, my blood is checked. the Celebrex really helps with arthritis. thanks all for the information.

I will add that Celebrex never made me shit raw blood, though two days on Vioxx did exactly that, and caused other problems as well, in addition to not doing what it was supposed to.

Personally, I cheered when Vioxx was pulled.

It shouldn’t be. Vioxx and Celebrex aren’t identical, but are both cox2 inhibitors. Celebrex almost killed me and I tell everyone not to take either of these meds if they can get relief any other way. I think Vioxx is back on the market now. FDA approval means very little as far as I’m concerned.

Most NSAID’s like ibuprofen inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 pathways. The COX-1 pathway produces a chemical (prostaglandin) that protects the stomach from stomach acid while the COX-2 pathway is involved in pain. As you may know one of the risks of taking ibuprofen is the risk of stomach ulcers and GI bleeding (due to the COX-1 pathway not producing the chemical to protect you). The theory was that if you had a selective medication that would only inhibit the COX-2 pathway then you would have the pain relief without the risk of ulcers and bleedding to death. However they brought with them other risks.

Prescribing (and taking) any medication involves weighing up the benefits of taking them versus the potential side effects. COX-2 inhibitors may increase the risk of cardiac problems but they are very effective at reducing pain. To tell someone not to take them because of that and thus condemning them to a life in pain is not helpful.

Oh I said 3. Of course I meant Cox2, I am so ashamed.

@dpworkin I was wondering what paracetamol had to do with the price of fish

I’m just a maroon.