Valdecoxib : the rise and fall of a COX-2 inhibitor.

INTRODUCTION: Valdecoxib is a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective anti-inflammatory drug. It is associated with a reduced incidence of gastrointestinal complications and is potentially useful for patients with rheumatological diseases requiring longer term anti-inflammatory treatment. AREAS COVERED: Due to a perceived increased risk of thrombotic events, particularly cardiovascular hazards and reports of unpredictable, potentially life threatening skin reactions, valdecoxib has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market since 2005. This review manuscript examines the therapeutic potential and the adverse events of valdecoxib utilising a pubmed and web of sciences search to select literature on this subject. EXPERT OPINION: While valdecoxib did have reduced incidence of gastrointestinal complications due to a perceived increased risk of thrombotic events it was withdrawn. The limitations of the research supporting the withdrawal of this potential are discussed.