Vioxx

In late September, 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 rofecoxib. At the time of this writing, Vioxx has also been linked to a total of 12 cases of nonbacterial meningitis - an inflammation of the membrane coverings of the brain. While most of the research has been done relates to Vioxx, experts believe that other COX-2 inhibitors, including Celebrex, would carry the same risks.

IMPORTANT: The first Vioxx lawsuit has concluded with the jury awarding a Texas widow $253 million dollars in damages for the death of her husband.

IMPORTANT: If you have used vioxx, you need to read the following information. A vioxx lawsuit can be filed on your behalf if you have suffered losses as a result of vioxx side effects. vioxx lawyers and attorneys are experienced in dealing with product liabilty cases, including vioxx lawsuits and class action lawsuits. Use this resource to find the vioxx information you need and contact a vioxx attorney today using our directory of product liability lawyers.

What is Vioxx (Rofecoxib)?

Vioxx is a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was approved by FDA in May 1999 for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms, and was later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. Though these drugs have been praised for reduced gastrointestinal side effects when compared to the older non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or Aleve, studies have shown that they may carry a higher risk for heart problems and the same risk for kidney problems.

What is Vioxx used for?

Vioxx is used to relieve:

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
Acute pain in adults
Painful menstrual cycles

Who should not take Vioxx?

You should not take Vioxx if you have experienced asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A few examples of other NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, nabumetone, and ketoprofen.

What are the special warnings concerning the use of Vioxx?

Serious problems from stomach ulcers, such as bleeding, are well-known complications in people treated with NSAIDs. Similar problems have occurred in people treated with Vioxx, although very rarely. The likelihood of stomach problems increases the longer you take drugs like Vioxx. However, even short-term treatment is not without risk. These problems can happen without any warning, but in some people may cause symptoms such as gnawing or burning stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomiting. If this happens, stop taking Vioxx and call your health care provider right away.

The use of Vioxx (rofecoxib) may be linked to an increased rate of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.

Check with your health care provider. Vioxx may not be right for you, if you:

have had ulcers or stomach bleeding
have had asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
have severe kidney problems
have severe liver problems
are pregnant

What are the general precautions concerning the use of Vioxx?

Do not stop taking any medications that you have been prescribed without first talking to your doctor.

Serious problems such as liver damage have occurred in people treated with NSAIDs. Some of the warning signs of liver damage can be nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellow coloring of skin or eyes, "flu-like" symptoms and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your health care provider right away.

Vioxx can cause your body to retain fluid and swell. Your health care provider will decide if Vioxx is right for you, if you:

retain fluids
have high blood pressure
have heart failure

If you have asthma, you may have aspirin-sensitive asthma. If an aspirin-sensitive asthmatic takes aspirin it can cause severe narrowing of the airway (bronchospasm), and even death. Since this type of reaction to aspirin and other NSAIDs have occurred in aspirin-sensitive patients, Vioxx should not be given to aspirin-sensitive patients.

The safety and effectiveness of Vioxx in patients below the age of 18 years has not been determined.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Because certain other medications can interact with Vioxx, review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription.

Your health care provider may have to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely if you take:

certain blood pressure medications called ACE-inhibitors
furosemide
lithium
methotrexate
rifampin
warfarin
aspirin

Avoid taking Vioxx with antacids that contain calcium carbonate and magnesium/aluminum combination products, because they may reduce the amount of Vioxx your body absorbs.

What are some possible side effects of Vioxx?

This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Vioxx. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.

Side effects can include:

Upper respiratory tract infection
Diarrhea
Nausea
Heartburn
Swelling of the lower legs or feet
High blood pressure
Rarely, serious ulcers have occurred in patients taking Vioxx

For more detailed information about Vioxx, ask your health care provider.

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