Vioxx / Rofecoxib Overview

On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co., Inc. announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib) from the U.S. and worldwide market due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx.

Vioxx, also known as Rofecoxib, is a selective cox-2 inhibitor used to treat pain associated with arthritis. Physicians may also prescribe Vioxx, available in tablet and liquid form, to relieve minor pain, headaches and menstrual discomfort. Approved by the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 1999, Vioxx is made by Merck & Co.

Minor side effects of Vioxx use include, but may not be limited to, upset stomach, dizziness, heartburn, vomiting and constipation. Numerous studies, including one sponsored by the drug's manufacturer, have found that Vioxx may increase a patient's risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

A March 2002 FDA report linked Vioxx to five cases of a nonbacterial type of meningitis. According to the FDA, several patients developed aseptic meningitis while using the arthritis drug.

In May 2002, a report published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research revealed that inhibiting cox-2 may also impede bone repair. Cox-2 reportedly assists bone-forming stem cells in the healing process.

The makers of Vioxx received more damaging news in August 2004 when a FDA-funded study found that Vioxx increases the risk of heart attack and cardiac death more than Celebrex. The study, which was released at an epidemiologist conference, found that both high and low levels of the medication increase the risk for cardiovascular events. According to the study, patients taking the highest doses increase their risk of heart attack more than three-fold.

On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co., Inc. announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib) from the U.S. and worldwide market due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx.

See your doctor if you have concerns about the safety of Vioxx or if you have experienced serious side effects associated with the drug. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights, including the possibility of filing an individual lawsuit or joining a class action lawsuit. Vioxx attorneys will recommend an option best fitted for your needs. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.