Lumiracoxib May Be Useful for Osteoarthritis Without Worsening Cardiac Risk

Lumiracoxib may be useful for osteoarthritis without worsening cardiac risk, according to two reports of the Therapeutic Arthritis Research and Gastrointestinal Event Trial (TARGET) published in the Aug. 21 issue of The Lancet. However, the editorialists advocate a cautious consideration of risks and benefits.

Although cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)–selective inhibitors should theoretically reduce ulcer complications compared with nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), evidence is limited and raises the possibility that COX-2 inhibitors could increase the risk of cardiovascular events.