MANILA, Philippines—Doctors have become extra cautious in prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to its reported side effects, specifically in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems.
Two NSAIDs—Bextra and Vioxx—have recently been taken off the market for such reasons. Doctors emphasized that a similar drug, which is locally available, is prescribed only in low dose and for short-term use due to its contraindications.
Even the long-term use of seemingly harmless over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen may present gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney damage.
Thus, it was with cautious interest that a number of local physicians attended the launch of Korean-made Clanza at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel two weeks ago.
Clanza is the brand name given to the active ingredient Aceclofenac, which in clinical trials have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but had exhibited less potential to cause gastrointestinal damage and adverse cardiovascular events, according to OnePharma, a Filipino-owned pharmaceutical company which distributes Clanza in the Philippines.
Clanza is produced by Korea United Pharm.
OnePharma claims its Clanza has a higher efficacy, a higher safety profile and higher patient compliance (withdrawal rates due to gastrointestinal events were reportedly significantly lower) than other NSAIDs. Treatment costs were also claimed to be lower compared to many NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors.
Losing face
Dr. Eric Amante, an expert in rheumatology from the University of the Philippines and the Asian Hospital, observed many physicians in a bind when it came to prescribing NSAIDs.
“The problem is when you prescribe an NSAID and then your patient comes back telling you that the drug had been pulled from the market. You lose face,” he said.
Fortunately, he said, newer and safer NSAIDs are coming in.
Amante spoke in particular about Clanza, which the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) recently approved for sale in the Philippines.
‘A good option for 2008’
History seems to be on the side of Clanza. Aceclofenac’s pain-killing effect was discovered in Spain in 1983, and has treated more than 70 million people since then. Clanza was introduced in Korea in 1994 and has been the leading analgesic in Korea, generating annual sales of $43 million.
Amante said Clanza “appears to be a good option for 2008” as far as pain treatment for rheumatism or arthritis sufferers were concerned.
Aceclofenac has been evaluated in international studies and is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Osteoarthritis is a common, chronic, musculoskeletal disorder. Symptomatic osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee and hip, is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability in elderly people.
