Ugeskr Laeger 2006 Mar 27; 168(13): 1343-4 (Read article online)

Calvo N, Iversen E, Munck LK

COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs have similar analgesic, anti-inflammatory and severe upper intestinal side effects. Adding to the sparse and casuistic reports, a further five cases of severe lower intestinal illness associated with COX-2 inhibitor ingestion are presented. Diarrhoea due to microscopic colitis was associated with short-time ingestion of refecoxib and celecoxib by two patients. Refecoxib intake for two months was associated with spontaneous perforation of a well-functioning J-pouch in a patient with ulcerative colitis. Intake of celecoxib and etodolac was associated with colonic ulceration and stricture. Side effects related to COX-2 inhibitors are similar to those related to NSAIDs.