Selective COX-2 inhibitors may be associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events (especially MI and stroke). Because the cardiovascular risk of selective COX-2 inhibitors may increase with dose and duration of exposure, the shortest possible duration and lowest effective daily dose should be used. The patient's need for symptom relief and response to therapy should be re-evaluated periodically. Patients with significant risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking) or peripheral arterial disease should only be treated with Etoricoxib after careful consideration.