Osteoarthritis is the most common form of
arthritis and causes substantial morbidity and healthcare expenditure worldwide. This is partly due to the gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of nonspecific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors offer a therapeutic alternative since they may reduce gastrointestinal-related risks with a similar clinical efficacy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This article provides an overview of the clinical and economic value of
cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors in the management of
osteoarthritis. The authors' findings suggest that
cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors show comparable efficacy with nonspecific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, yet have reduced rates of gastrointestinal complications. Pharmacoeconomic studies have demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of prescribing
cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors in certain high-risk populations.
Cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors provide clinical and economic benefits in patients diagnosed with
osteoarthritis. Future studies should further examine the economic implications of newer
cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and quantify the impact of
pain management on patients' quality of life.