Safety of parecoxib in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced urticaria or angioedema.

BACKGROUND

Parecoxib is the first injectable cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitor indicated for the treatment of acute postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the results of a challenge with parecoxib in patients with a history of urticaria or angioedema to 1 or more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

METHODS

The study was performed from October 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, with 79 patients who historically had experienced urticaria or angioedema after use of NSAIDs. The patients underwent a single-blind challenge with parecoxib, 40 mg.

RESULTS

No reaction to placebo was observed in any patient. Similarly, no reaction to parecoxib was observed in any patients in the single-class or multiple-class intolerance group.

CONCLUSION

Our report demonstrates that parecoxib does not induce cross-reactivity in patients with a history of urticaria or angioedema. Hence, this finding suggests that this drug could be safely proposed as an alternative (but only after a prior challenge) in patients with previous hypersensitive reactions to NSAIDs, even if there are added risk factors such as atopy and antimicrobial allergy, who require an analgesic drug perioperatively.