Patient and physician satisfaction with rofecoxib in osteoarthritis: results of the EVA (experience with VIOXX in arthritis) survey.

SUMMARYA nationwide survey was undertaken among 74192 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 5986 physicians (including 5265 general practitioners [GPs]) in Belgium to evaluate satisfaction with the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (12.5 or 25mg, given once a day for an average of 30 days).Rofecoxib was considered by patients to be a very effective treatment for OA, with satisfaction scores of good or very good in the domains of pain, mobility and general satisfaction. More than 80% of GP-treated patients expressed a wish to continue rofecoxib therapy. Preference for rofecoxib was especially strong in patients (n = 45453) who had previously been treated with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), notably patients who had used diclofenac, ibuprofen and nimesulide. Physicians also expressed high satisfaction with rofecoxib, with more than 80% of surveyed physicians indicating a wish to continue prescribing the drug.The results of this large survey demonstrate a clear pref...