A combination of naproxen and esomeprazole: Analgesic therapy on balancing cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks

• Main Authors: Andrei Evgenyevich Karateev, L I Alekseeva, S G Anikin
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: IMA-PRESS LLC 2013-03-01
• Series: Современная ревматология
• Subjects: diseases; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; gastroprotective therapy; a combination of naproxen and esomeprazole
• Online Access: https://mrj.ima-press.net/mrj/article/view/472

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most important tool to control pain in rheumatic diseases; however, their application is limited by the risk of serious complications in the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The advent of a Russian new drug that is a naproxen and esomeprazole combination (Vimovo™) extends the possibilities of NSAIDS use. This review considers the benefits of both NEC components. The former is naproxen, a traditional NSAIDS that is in common use as an effective analgesic worldwide. Its chief merit is the least cardiovascular risk among all NSAIDs (aside from aspirin). Esomeprazole is a representative of the group of proton pump inhibitors, a potent antisecretory drug that has passed major tests as an agent for the prevention of NSAID-related GIT complications. This drug combination allows patient incompliance to gastroprotective therapy to be eliminated. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed a considerable reduction in the frequency of GIT complications with NSAIDS use as compared to the standard enteric-coated naproxen, including in patients receiving low-dose aspirin. Comparison of NEC with celecoxib has indicated that the new medication is as effective as a selective COX-2 inhibitor in both efficacy and GIT safety.