Rheumatology
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have frequently been linked with unpleasant gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects such as dyspepsia and ulcers. The present study investigated the burden of NSAID therapy from a patient perspective and also reviewed previously published data on satisfaction with a less gastrotoxic anti-inflammatory drug, rofecoxib. A questionnaire was sent to > 6000 members of the Norwegian Rheumatism Association requesting information on use and toxicity of NSAID therapy and requirements for supplementary gastroprotective and analgesic medication. ⋯ Preference for rofecoxib was significantly higher among patients with prior experience of conventional NSAIDs or other OA-specific medication. In EVA, the reduced GI toxicity of rofecoxib previously reported in other studies appeared to translate into a strong preference to continue this therapy in a large sample of patients. This is not surprising, given the poor satisfaction with NSAIDs highlighted by the Norwegian survey.