About the SCOT study
Arthritis is a common medical problem. It can affect one joint or many, and one of the main symptoms it causes is pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Brufen®) and diclofenac (Voltarol®) are very commonly used to relieve joint pains. Often they do that job well, which is why they are so popular—5 million prescriptions are written in Scotland every year for NSAIDs, not counting all the ibuprofen sold 'over-the-counter' in pharmacies and shops. Like all drugs, NSAIDS can have side effects. These include irritation of the stomach and effects on blood pressure and the heart.
In recent years a new group of NSAIDs has been developed. These are called "Cox-2 inhibitors" e.g. Celecoxib (Celebrex ®). Cox-2 inhibitors are less harsh on the digestive system, so they cause fewer stomach ulcers and bleeding. Celecoxib probably has similar effects on the heart to the other NSAIDs but we need more information on this.
The SCOT study is designed to find out if celecoxib is definitely better, worse or just the same as the other available NSAIDs. Because SCOT will eventually involve many thousands of participants we will also be able to look at the relative safety of all the NSAIDs in common use. This information will be of great value to everyone who needs to take these drugs on a regular basis. It will allow doctors to make the best choice for people with arthritis, not just for their joint pains but also for their general health.