3. Duplicative Therapy

The combined use of specific COX-2 inhibitors and nonspecific COX-1, COX-2 inhibitors does not provide additional therapeutic benefit and may result in additive adverse effects, including gastrointestinal toxicity. However, because celecoxib lacks antiplatelet effects, celecoxib may be used concurrently with low-dose aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular prophylaxis. While an increased incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects has been observed with combined celecoxib-aspirin therapy, the combination is cautiously warranted due to the potential cardiovascular benefits. Concurrent therapy with celecoxib and nonspecific COX-1, COX-2 inhibitors other than low-dose aspirin is not recommended and will be reviewed.