What is the COX enzyme?
The cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme has two forms: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is found in a lot of cells all the time, notably the lining of the stomach where it regulates acid production. COX-2 is not present in most cells normally, only appearing when things are going wrong. As a result, COX-2 was thought to be responsible for the bad effects of the COX enzyme-pain and inflammation. Vioxx was developed based on this belief that COX-2 was responsible for the bad effects of the COX enzyme and to reduce or even eliminate the gastrointestinal risks involved with the non-selective (traditional) NSAIDs like Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA), Ibuprofen, Nabumetone and Naproxen, that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. However, COX-2 serves other purposes besides its role in inflammation. Among the purposes the COX-2 enzyme serves is that it plays a major role in controlling the cardiovascular system-stopping platelets from forming blood clots (thrombi - plural form of thrombus) in the heart, and preventing damage to vessels. It also serves other functions that are beyond the scope of this FAQ section to explain.
Other Tequin FAQs
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Q:
What is Bextra?
A: Bextra (Valdecoxib) is similar to Celebrex (Celecoxib) in the respect that it is a prescription COX-2 selective inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) … More -
Q:
What are NSAIDs?
A: NSAIDs are a large group of drugs that have pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) effects, as well as the effect of reducing inflammation when … More -
Q:
Is Bextra right for me?
A: You should not take Bextra if you: • Had asthma, hives or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or … More -
Q:
What should I tell my health care provider?
A: Tell your health care provider if you: • have heart problems or high blood pressure; • have liver or kidney problems; • have or had … More -
Q:
What is the problem with Bextra?
A: Preliminary studies have indicated that Bextra (valdecoxib), an arthritis drug manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., could potentially be one of the leading causes of Stevens … More -
Q:
Did the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) know about these allergic reactions?
A: Yes. The FDA announced on November 15, 2002, that it had received about 20 reports of serious reactions, including skin diseases [Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), … More -
Q:
What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
A: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity disorder that may be caused by a reaction to drugs (including Bextra), viral infections, … More -
Q:
What is toxic epidermal necrolysis?
A: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a form of SJS) is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by blistering of the mucous membranes (similar to Stevens Johnson … More -
Q:
What is exfoliative dermatitis?
A: Exfoliative dermatitis, also known as erythroderma, is an uncommon but serious skin disorder. Generalized exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the … More -
Q:
What is erythema multiforme?
A: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a serious inflammatory skin eruption (rash) caused by allergic reactions to many different things, including prescription and … More