Following the withdrawal of rofecoxib and valdecoxib, the discussion concerning selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors was often characterized more by emotions than scientific evidence.

Among these, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, particularly selective COX-2 inhibitors ... side effects commonly associated with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It has, therefore, been suggested that selective COX-2 inhibitors of the inducible isoform may be free from renal adverse effects. Recent evidence suggests that this may not be so. Samir Malhotra ...

highlight the need to scrutinize these agents as rigorously as COX2-selective inhibitors. Hence the FDA moved to place warnings concerning cardiovascular side effects on all COX inhibitors.