Vioxx
Generic Name:
Rofecoxib
Brand Names:
Vioxx
Vioxx Description:
Vioxx is the registered trade name for the drug rofecoxib that is manufactured by Merck & Co. Vioxx was used mainly as a treatment for arthritis and acute pain, but it was withdrawn from the U.S. and worldwide markets by the manufacturer in September 2004 due to the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
Vioxx is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that work on the principle of reducing the substances that cause pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. Vioxx is usually prescribed to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; to manage acute pain in adults; to treat migraines; and to treat menstrual pain.
Vioxx Uses:
Vioxx is prescribed to provide relief of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis in adults, pauciarticular or polyarticular course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain in adults, primary dysmenorrheal, and migraine attacks with or without aura in adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the lining of the joints, causing them to swell. This form of arthritis causes throbbing pain, damage, and with time, also causes deformity of the joints. It is a disease more common in women than men, usually appearing in middle age, and it makes tasks such as walking or handling small objects very difficult. Rheumatoid arthritis is not limited to adults, as it can also affect children and teenagers. While there is no cure for the disease, a consistent lifestyle management program adjusted to protect the joints can improve the quality of life of the person affected.
Please note that this drug is no longer available.
Vioxx Interactions:
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin) may react with Vioxx.
Steroid medications like prednisone (Deltasone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred) may react with Vioxx, so tell your doctor if you are taking these medications.
Vioxx Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Vioxx was available in either tablet (12.5mg, 25mg, or 50mg) or oral suspension form (12.5mg or 25mg). For osteoarthritis, the typical dose was 12.5mg once daily. For the treatment of acute pain or menstrual cramps, the dose was 50mg once daily.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose.
Overdosing:
The symptoms of a Vioxx overdose are not known, so seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Vioxx FDA Approval:
May 20, 1999
Vioxx Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
The manufacturer of Vioxx, Merck & Co., announced a voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. and worldwide market in 2004 due to concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular complications including heart attack and stroke in patients taking Vioxx. Merck & Co. has been involved in litigation of at least 4600 cases following the withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. and worldwide market in September 2004. The company claims that it stated risks to patients and doctors, but controversy surrounds the conflicting reports about the full disclosure of death that occurred during trials of the drug.
Sources:
- http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess
/DevelopmentResources/UCM163218.pdf - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health
- http://www.merck.com/newsroom/vioxx/
- Larsen, A. (2004, September 30), Merck Announces Voluntary Worldwide Withdrawal of VIOXX® [Press release]. WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.: Merck & Co.
-
May 9, 2011, 1:27 pm
-
May 6, 2011, 1:37 pm
-
May 5, 2011, 12:55 pm
-
May 4, 2011, 1:29 pm
