There is a high level of dissatisfaction with tNSAID therapy of OA, arising in large part from a perception among many patients and physicians that these drugs are not always adequately effective in relieving the symptoms of this disease. These findings, together with the low patient perceptions of general health, indicate the need for new therapeutic approaches to OA.

Use of rofecoxib was associated with marked improvements in several indices of treatment effectiveness and tolerability, and in patient and physician satisfaction and perception of general health status compared with tNSAIDs. Rofecoxib is a valuable additional medication for relieving the symptoms of OA and its use in place of tNSAIDs may lead to a reduction in the prescription of concomitant medications.

No abstract