Characterizing new users of NSAIDs before and after rofecoxib withdrawal

摘要

What is already known about this subject• Public concern regarding the cardiovascular safety of the COX-2 inhibitors began with the withdrawal of rofecoxib from the market in September 2004.• Since then, a myriad of evidence has pointed towards an adverse cardiovascular effect of other COX-2 inhibitors in persons with cardiovascular risk.• This study examines the impact of the clinical trial publicity and drug regulatory advice on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribing in patients in general practice with known cardiovascular risk both before and after the rofecoxib withdrawal.