Vioxx

rofecoxib

Vioxx (rofecoxib) was available by prescription only in 12.5 mg and 25 mg tablets, or 12.5 mg and 25-mg. oral suspensions. Vioxx was prescribed to relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, acute arthritis pain, and painful menstruation. Vioxx is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAID. Examples of other NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, nabumetone, and ketoprofen. Vioxx has been prescribed for millions of people in the US since its introduction in 1999.

Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death, Heart Attack, and Stroke

Merck recalled Vioxx on September 29, 2004, due to information it released from a three-year clinical trial. The trial was designed to test the effectiveness of a 25-milligram dose regime of Vioxx in preventing the recurrence of colorectal polyps. The study found that after 18 months, patients taking Vioxx were at great risk of sudden cardiac deaths. Risk of heart attacks or stroke was also much greater in these patients. Citing these dangers, the drug was pulled from the market.

Earlier this year several similar studies warned that Vioxx could be extremely dangerous for patients at risk for heart attack and stroke, especially in the first three months of taking the drug.

Special Warnings with Vioxx

Stomach bleeding and other serious problems are well-known complications in people treated with the prescription drug Vioxx. The likelihood of such problems increases the longer you take a drug like Vioxx.

Why Vioxx is dangerous

People taking Vioxx had nearly three times the risk of sudden cardiac death, stroke, or heart attack if they were taking the 25-milligram dose of Vioxx. In August of this year, Merck announced that it strongly disagreed with study findings linking Vioxx to heart attacks, but reversed itself in September by pulling the drug from the market