NSAIDs are a chemically diverse class of therapeutic agents that exert their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and/or COX-2, enzymes that catalyze the first committed step in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. PGs produce a diverse array of biologic effects via activation of prostanoid receptors, and play important roles in a variety of pathologic and homeostatic processes (2). COX-2 is readily induced in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli and has been considered the primary source of inflammatory PGs. In contrast, the production of PGs with homeostatic functions, such as gastric epithelium cytoprotection, has been ascribed to COX-1, which is constitutively expressed in most tissues (2). Consequently, COX-2-selective NSAIDs, including rofecoxib, valdecoxib, and celecoxib, were developed in order to retain the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of inhibition of COX-2-derived PG formation, while avoiding the gastrointestinal toxicity of traditional NSAIDs (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) that inhibit both isoforms. Although fewer gastrointestinal complications were observed in clinical trials, treatment with COX-2-selective NSAIDs increased the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure (1,3).