The term "superaspirin" was commonly used to describe the next wave of pain relievers. These medications offered all the benefits of aspirin without its drawbacks, such as causing intestinal bleeding. While aspirin affects both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, superaspirins specifically target and inhibit only the COX-2 enzyme. COX-2 inhibitors, like refecoxib (Vioxx, which was removed from the market in 2004) and celecoxib (Celebrex), along with antiplatelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, were effective in reducing inflammation and pain. They were considered superior to regular aspirin for alleviating arthritis pain due to their reduced side effects. Nevertheless, they were linked to an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, leading to many being withdrawn from the market.
