COX-2 Inhibitors Work Quickly for Osteoarthritis Patients

Most osteoarthritis patients who respond well to a cyclooxygenase-2 selective NSAID (also known as COX-2 inhibitors) do so by the second week of taking the drug. The conclusion, drawn from an analysis of two clinical trials, suggests that two weeks is a reasonable amount of time to allow for a response before switching to another NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). But it may be best to wait 4 weeks -- a small number of nonresponders at 2 weeks became responders by their 4 week assessment.

According to the November 2008 issue of Rheumatology News, the clinical trials involved 1,207 patients with hip osteoarthritis or knee osteoarthritis who randomly were assigned to receive Arcoxia (generic drug name etoricoxib, which is not available in the United States), Celebrex (generic drug name celecoxib), or placebo for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, 66% of the Arcoxia group, 64% of the Celebrex group, and 43% of patients on placebo showed at least 50% improvement in pain or physical function. Interestingly, 84% of patients who responded by the second week maintained the response when re-evaluated at week 12. Of those classified as non-responders at week 2, about 60% were still nonresponders at week 12.

Related Resources:

• NSAIDs - 10 Things You Need to Know
• Celebrex - What You Need to Know
• Cyclooxygenase - COX-1 and COX-2 Explained
• Osteoarthritis Medications - What Are My Options?

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