What Are Cox Inhibitors and Why Were Cox Inhibitors, Bextra,Vioxx,Celebrex Supposed to be Better Than Ibuprofen or AspirinBextra, Vioxx and Celebrex are all members of a class of drugs called Cox 2 inhibitors.They were invented to help solve a problem. The problem was that many people need to take large doses of aspirin or aspirin like molecules for long times. An example would be someone with bad arthritis.
Long term use of aspirin and aspirin like compounds, known as NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory) can result in a higher chance of ulcer formation. The NSAIDs are believed to perform their pain and inflammation relief by inhibiting certain enzymes(enzymes are chemicals that speed up chemical reactions) in the body called COX for cyclooxygenase. COX 1 and COX 2 are important enzymes that have a variety of functions. COX 1 maintains normal lining of the stomach. COX 2 increases in response to inflammation. The bottom line is we would like to turn off COX 2 without turning off COX 1. NSAIDs, aspirin,ibuprofen,etc. turn off COX 1 and COX 2. The COX 2 inhibitors were supposed to turn off COX 2 but not interferewith COX 1, thus less ulcers. There were also studies underway that indicated COX 2 inhibitors might prevent certain cancers. See What is Cyclooxygenase and COX Inhibitors
Now however, Merck has withdrawn Vioxx because of reported problems. The clouds are gathering around Bextra and Celebrex and Pfizer is circling the wagons in defense. Here is some interesting background from a rather interesting web site by some senior citizens. See www.therubins.com
http://purplemedicalblog.blogspot.com/2004/12/what-are-cox-inhibitors-and-why-were.html
