Patients without drug coverage could consider over-the-counter NSAIDs, but only for periodicnot chronicuse, the report said.
The evidence shows that the COX-2 inhibitors Celebrex (celecoxib) and Bextra (valdexocib) may cause fewer stomach ulcers, but it's not clear yet whether they lower the risk of dangerous ulcers or serious gastrointestinal bleeding, and physicians may be more cautious about prescribing these therapies in the wake of Vioxx's recall by the Food and Drug Administration, the report said.
With issues like the worldwide recall of Vioxx popping up periodically, the Consumers Union aims to constantly monitor safety, effectiveness, and pricing changes, said Ms. Shearer.
DERP plans to issue 25 reports in all, and will update its reports every 6 months.
The Best Buy Drugs project is funded partly by grants from the Engelberg Foundation, and from the National Library of Medicine.