Rofecoxib and celecoxib (coxibs) effectively treat chronic arthritis pain and reduce ulcer complications by 50% compared with nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, their absolute risk reduction is small and the cost-effectiveness of treatment is uncertain.
Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.