The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7380 p736
17 December 2005

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News summary

COX-2 inhibitor launched by Novartis

A new selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor has been launched by Novartis. Lumiracoxib (Prexige) is indicated for symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis and for the short-term relief of moderate to severe acute pain associated with primary dysmenorrhoea and dental and orthopaedic surgery.

Its summary of product characteristics states that, since COX-2 inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular risks, the shortest duration and the lowest effective daily dose should be used. In addition, it warns that lumiracoxib should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiac failure, left ventricular dysfunction or hypertension, and that patients with significant risk factors for cardiovascular events, such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking, should only be treated with lumiracoxib after careful consideration.


Notice-board p741