More Arthritis Questions
Answered by Michele M. Hooper, MD, University Hospitals Health Systems

Q. Are there any drugs on the market that safely replace Celebrex or Vioxx?

A. There has been nothing new to "replace" Celebrex or Vioxx in that category.

The traditional NSAids are still there, which are equally effective re: pain, but not as safe for the stomach. There are several COX-2 inhibitors in clinical trials.

Q. Is arthritis genetic? Does it only affect "older" people?

Thanks.

A. There is a hereditary component to many forms of arthritis. It varies with what type of arthritis you have

(For example, Hand arthritis is VERY hereditary. If one parent had it you have a 50-50 chance of having it).

Osteoarthritis at other sites also has about a 50% heritability factor.

Half the people with arthritis in the US are under the age of 65 years.

For more information about arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 216-831-7000, ext. 114 or, toll-free, at 800-245-2275, ext. 114.