Successful use of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in a patient with aspirin-induced asthma.

We describe the case of an aspirin-sensitive asthma patient with a history of anaphylactic reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and treated with a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor without an adverse response. Current prescribing information warns to avoid using COX-2 inhibitors in aspirin-sensitive asthma patients. New evidence suggests that aspirin sensitivity may be linked to the COX-1 pathway, and COX-2 inhibitors, as a result of their selectivity, may be beneficial in patients with aspirin-induced asthma.