COX-2 Inhibitors Associated with Increased Risk of Death from Stroke

Some commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis and pain may increase a patient’s risk of dying from a stroke. According to a new study, users of COX-2 inhibitors are 19% more likely to die after a stroke when compared with non-users. COX-2 inhibitors include medications such as diclofenac, etodolac, nabumetone, meloxicam, celecoxib, and rofecoxib. Study author Dr. Morten Schmidt adds, “While newer versions of these COX-2 inhibitor drugs have been pulled off shelves, older ones are still frequently prescribed. Our study provides further important evidence solidifying the risks of certain arthritic pain relievers and death from stroke.”
Neurology, November 2014