The National Prescribing Centre has published a MeReC Rapid Review discussing two Phase III studies evaluating a fixed combination of naproxen and esomeprazole (Vimovo®) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.  Although this product was found to have comparable upper gastrointestinal tolerability to celecoxib in this setting, the review points out that there are no data to suggest that the fixed-dose combination offers any efficacy or safety advantages over the separate prescribing of naproxen 1000 mg daily plus a low-cost proton pump inhibitor such as generic omeprazole.  In addition, separate prescribing allows for dose adjustment of individual components and is less expensive.

The review summarises the data and how it relates to other studies, and advises healthcare professionals what should be done in practice.  Please see the link below for details.