What you need to know about painkillers called COX-2 Inhibitors

Do you often suffer from joint pain , back pain , or severe pain that comes with menstruation? Then we quickly take a painkiller . But did you know that there are different types of these painkillers? Today we are going to talk about a type of painkiller that takes a special place among them, and works in a slightly different way. That is COX-2 inhibitors .

Simply put, what are these COX-2 Inhibitors?

COX-2 inhibitors are actually a group of drugs that relieve pain and reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory). The medical name for this group is NSAIDs, which stands for Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Drugs like Ibuprofen , Naproxen , and Diclofenac that you often hear about also belong to this group called NSAIDs .

However, this particular type, called COX-2 inhibitors, works in the body in a slightly different way than the traditional NSAIDs we're all familiar with. Let's take a look at what that difference is.

How does this medicine work inside the body? It's a very amazing mechanism!

To understand this, we first need to understand two types of enzymes in our bodies. These are the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes . Both of these enzymes produce chemicals in our bodies called prostaglandins . These prostaglandins are the main reason why we experience pain, swelling (inflammation), and fever.

Imagine this: There are two workers inside the factory called our body.

• COX-1 (first worker): This one is a good worker. It makes prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling. But in addition to that, it does two very important things . One is to protect the lining of our stomach and intestines from stomach acid. The other is to help with the blood clotting process.
• COX-2 (Worker 2): This is the real problem. Its main job is to make prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.

Now look, when we take painkillers (Non-selective NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, the medicine stops both of those workers. Then, because COX-2 is stopped, the pain and swelling are reduced. But because the good worker, that is, COX-1, is stopped, the stomach's defenses are lost , and the chances of gastritis, stomach inflammation, and possibly ulcers increase.

What conditions are COX-2 inhibitors used for?

Doctors recommend this type of medication to control mild to moderate pain and swelling caused by various medical conditions.

Additionally, your doctor may also prescribe this medication for conditions such as gout and migraine.

What are the risks and side effects of using COX-2 Inhibitors?

Despite their reduced gastrointestinal side effects, COX-2 inhibitors are not completely risk-free drugs. There may be some risks , especially when used at high doses and for long periods of time .

Main risks

• Heart attacks and stroke: COX-2 inhibitors have been found to be associated with a slightly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This risk is even greater in people who already have heart disease or risk factors for it. For this reason, some COX-2 inhibitors, such as `Rofecoxib (Vioxx®)` and `Valdecoxib (Bextra®)`, have been removed from the market.
• Stomach and intestinal problems: Although the damage to the stomach is reduced, it does not go away completely. Some people may experience bleeding and ulcers .

Common side effects

Who should not take COX-2 Inhibitors?

Your doctor will review your complete health history to determine if this medication is right for you. You should avoid taking this medication if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have had a stroke before.
• If you have recently had or are about to have coronary artery bypass surgery .
• If you have severe kidney disease or liver disease .
• If you have previously had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction to another NSAID, aspirin, or a sulfa antibiotic.
• If you are in the last three months of pregnancy .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother (talk to your doctor about this).

When should you see a doctor immediately?

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine, do not delay and immediately see your doctor or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) .

• Signs of a liver problem: dark urine, extreme tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, light-colored stools, stomach upset.
• Signs of bleeding: vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, passing blood in the stool (black or dark red stools), passing blood in the urine, bleeding gums, unusual bruising of the skin.
• Symptoms of a kidney problem: inability to urinate, change in the amount of urine produced, sudden weight gain.
• Signs of a severe allergy: skin rash or hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Symptoms of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, pain that radiates to the jaw or shoulder.
• Symptoms of a stroke: numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, facial drooping.