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Cox 2 Inhibitors

Also called: Cox II Inhibitors

- Summary
- About COX-2 inhibitors
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
David Slotnick, M.D.

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Pregnancy use issues with COX–2 inhibitors

How cyclo–oxygenase 2 (COX–2) inhibitors affect pregnant women, fetuses and newborns is not completely known. However, heart and blood flow problems in a fetus or newborn may occur if the mother regularly takes COX–2 inhibitors during the third trimester of pregnancy. Experiments on animals with these drugs have produced birth defects in some cases. Pregnant women should not take celecoxib (Celebrex), especially during the final three months, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Child use issues with COX–2 inhibitors

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2006 approved the use of celecoxib (Celebrex) to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in children 2 years of age and older.

Celecoxib has not been studied in patients younger than 2, weighing less than 22 pounds or having signs of a serious form of JRA known as systemic-onset JRA. The drug should be used only with caution in patients with systemic-onset JRA because of the risk of serious reactions including abnormal clotting tests, which can be associated with a serious clotting disorder known as disseminated intravascular coagulation, according to the FDA.

Elderly use issues with COX–2 inhibitors

People age 65 and older have been tested in limited numbers to determine the effects of COX–2 inhibitors on this population. Results suggest that older individuals do not have a higher risk of experiencing side effects. However, in cases where side effects are experienced, they tend to be more serious than in younger adults.

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Review Date: 02-09-2007

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