Warnings were issued last month about two COX 2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2) inhibitors because of fears that they might increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.

Celecoxib (Celebrex) showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events in a long term study (sponsored by the US National Cancer Institutes) that looked at use of the drug for prevention of colon cancer.

Patients in the five year trial taking 400 mg/day or 800 mg/day of celecoxib had, respectively, a 2.5-fold and 3.4-fold increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with placebo. The Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer …