COX-2 is mainly involved in inflammatory response. Gastric ulcers and affection of platelet function were noticed when COX-1 is inhibited. Six studies conducted with rofecoxib revealed a greater decrease in signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis when compared with placebo. Noted side effects of rofecoxib are nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia and lower extremity edema. Another side effect is rofecoxib's relief of menstrual pain.
Magnesium plays an important role in calcium absorption and the body's ability to use calcium.
A derivative of hot chili peppers, capsaicin is rubbed on joints several times daily and shows decreasing joint tenderness and pain. Localized burning is the only side effect. In short, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which will never go away. Measures have been found to, at least, decelerate progression but nothing has been found to completely halt progression of the disease. The main attributes of osteoarthritis are joint space reduction due to cartilage breakdown.