Popular Arthritis Drugs Less Cost-Effective Than Common Pain Killers

Selective COX-2 inhibitors, such as rofecoxib (Vioxx) and celecoxib (Celebrex), are not as cost-effective as common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), indomethacin, and naproxen, in treating arthritis in the average patient. This was the conclusion of a recent study conducted by the University of California (Los Angeles) and the Veterans Affairs of Greater Los Angeles. Researchers found that the newer COX-2 drugs, developed to offer the same pain relief as NSAIDs but…