Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the drug rofecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Sold under the trade name Vioxx, it belongs to a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors. It joins Celebrex as the second COX-2 inhibitor available to the public. Both drugs inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Several studies have found rofecoxib to be more effective than a placebo in treating arthritis pain. However, no large clinical trials have been done. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and indigestion.
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Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved two hyaluronan products to be given as injections for osteoarthritis of the knee. Sodium hyaluronate is sold under the trade name Hyalgan. It is similar to natural hyaluronan, a normal component of synovial fluid. Hyaluronate injections can make up for a deficiency of this chemical in the joint. The second product is hylan G-F 20, which is sold under the trade name Synvisc. It is a derivative of hyaluronan. The products appear to help some people but they are expensive and their effectiveness has not been proven.
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Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Sold under the trade name Mobic, it belongs to the category of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may have no advantage over other NSAIDS, since it has caused gastrointestinal disorders in some patients who have taken it.
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