About Vioxx

Vioxx, or rofecoxib, is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called COX-2 inhibitors. According to Drugs.com, Vioxx was indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to treat migraines and acute pain. Vioxx was widely used by the health care community between the years of 1999 and 2004, but was removed from the market because of safety issues.

Time Frame

In 1999, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vioxx was approved for use in the treatment of arthritis and other painful conditions. A large study, called VIGOR, which studied the effects of Vioxx demonstrated that while Vioxx had decreased gastrointestinal side effects when compared to naproxen, an older arthritis medication, it also appeared to increase the risk of a myocardial infarction by seven-fold, according to an article written by Henry Waxman and published in the June 2005 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine." In 2004, Merck, the manufacturer of Vioxx, voluntarily removed Vioxx from the market because of safety concerns.

Function

Vioxx's mechanism of action is to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, which is a chemical required to produce a type of molecule, called prostaglandin, which modulates pain and inflammation, as well as a variety of other body functions. Other drugs in this class of pharmaceuticals include Bextra and Celebrex; only Celebrex remains on the market and is widely used in the treatment of chronic pain.

Side Effects

Drugs.com lists several Vioxx-related side effects, some serious, in addition to the elevated cardiovascular risk. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including heartburn and nausea, but to a lesser extent than older arthritis drugs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Serious side effects include kidney damage and failure, as well as allergic reactions.

Considerations

The phenomenal popularity of Vioxx, followed by its removal from the market, has been the subject of many debates, as well as litigation. The VIGOR study that demonstrated an increased heart attack risk was published in 2000, yet the drug was not pulled from the market until 2004. Part of the reason for the delay, according to the "New England Journal of Medicine" article, was misinformation from the drug manufacturer to health care providers, leading to the continued use of Vioxx for four years before Merck, under pressure from the public and federal officials, recalled the drug. The scrutiny of the Vioxx story has led to widespread changes on how pharmaceutical companies can market drugs.

Warning

A review of the Internet reveals numerous online pharmacies that continue to sell Vioxx. In addition, Vioxx can be obtained from pharmacies in certain countries around the world. Although an effective drug, the FDA warns Vioxx should not be used under any circumstance. A health care provider should be consulted for appropriate treatment of pain associated with arthritis and other disorders.