The trouble is that they have or had a witch hunt on for Cox 2s. I
think the Cox2 interests have responded with research into other non
Cox 2 NSAIDs in order to show that the COX2s are not actually worse
than other NSAIDs. In the UK my feeling is that the criticism of COX2s
causing cardiovascular (CV) problems was convenient . COX2s (like
celcoxib) are more expensive than drugs like diclofenac, so some PCTs
virtually banned their prescription by GPs here in the UK.

With regard to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds and mortality rates. I
mentioned to my rheumatologist specialist nurse that it was OK for
patients on ordinary NSAIDs to continue dying of GI bleeds, but it
wasn't in order for them to die of CV events as a result of taking
COX2s. She said she supposed so ! I was of course referring to the
importance of the PCT spend on the new COX2s.

They haven't published the comparative figures togather for ordinary
NSAIDs vs COX2s mortality, or disease rates, for both GI and CV as far
as I know. It will certainly make interesting reading when they
eventually do. Do COX2 patients die or fall ill from fewer GI bleeds,
but more CV events. Do ordinary NSAID patients die of more GI events
anf fewer CV events - or are the figures the same etc etc.

I think much of this razmataz has to do with money one way or the
other.

Peter