Background: [corrected] The new selective cyclooxygenase 2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with a lower incidence of adverse gastrointestinal effects.
Material and method: The first Yellow Cards received at the Catalan Centre of Pharmacovigilance reporting adverse effects of rofecoxib and celecoxib were reviewed and compared to those attributed to non-selective NSAIDs.
Results: Most frequent adverse effects of rofecoxib were gastrointestinal and cardiovascular; those of celecoxib were mostly cutaneous and gastrointestinal; and those of non-selective NSAIDs were gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric.
Conclusions: Rofecoxib and celecoxib are not devoid of gastrointestinal toxicity; they may also induce cardiovascular adverse effects.