Friday, February 23, 2007


What Is VIOXX?

Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). According to the FDA, Vioxx is also related to the nonselective NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Vioxx is a prescription medicine used to relieve signs and symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults and painful menstrual cycles, according to the FDA.


Who Is Affected By VIOXX?

Clinical studies have indicated that patients who took Vioxx on a regular basis for an extended period of time may have been at risk for injuries such as strokes and heart attack.


What Does VIOXX Do?

According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Vioxx is a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Vioxx was approved by the FDA in May of 1999 to relieve to the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, manage acute pain in adults and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms. It was later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.

Studies have indicated that patients who took Vioxx on a regular basis for an extended period of time had an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.





What If I have been Affected By VIOXX?


It is important that you understand your legal rights. If you or a loved one suffered a stroke or heart attack while taking Vioxx, you may have a case. That determination can only be made after a careful consultation with an attorney.

There are strict time limits for starting a lawsuit that vary from state to state called a statute of limitations. It is very important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible

It is important that you understand your legal rights.

If you or a loved one has taken Vioxx for an extended period of time, that person may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and may have a legal right to seek compensation





Fast Facts

Name: Vioxx

Generic: Rofecoxib

Manufacturer: Merck & Co.

Date approved: 1999

Status: Voluntarily withdrawn

Approved uses: Treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis

Off-Label uses: Pain relief, migraine headache relief, treatment of painful menstrual symptoms

Side effects: Blood clots, heart attack, stroke



Millions of people suffer from pain on a daily basis due to a variety of ailments and illnesses. National and international organizations and governments have recognized the need to help treat pain in an effective and non-harmful way.

Vioxx® (rofecoxib) is a nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formerly used to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for the treatment of severe menstrual symptoms in some women. It was also approved for the relief of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. Vioxx was a widely used prescription medicine produced by drug manufacturer, Merck and Co. and was available in both liquid and pill form.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved the use of Vioxx to treat pain in May 1999. Vioxx is included in the group of NSAIDs known as COX-2 inhibitors or Coxibs (CycloOxygenase-2 Inhibitors), which also includes the drugs Celebrex, and Bextra. Vioxx works by blocking the COX-2 enzymes that cause the inflammation and pain associated with the aforementioned conditions, particularly arthritis.

Vioxx is also closely related to nonselective NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. All NSAIDs inhibit COX-2, an enzyme linked to pain and inflammation, and the main difference between Vioxx and more traditional over the counter pain relievers is that Vioxx does not inhibit COX-1, which is thought to help keep the stomach lining intact. Therefore it was initially believed that Vioxx, and other drugs in its class, would be gentler on the stomach.

No comments: