What is Vioxx?

Vioxx is a brand name of a drug called rofecoxib, marketed by Merck. It's part of a family of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. Other NSAIDS include aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. They are used to treat arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps and other kinds of pain.

Aspirin has been around for over a century, and while it is very effective at treating pain, it had some undesirable side effects. Aspirin thins the blood, which, in extreme cases, can cause bleeding in the digestive system.

Vioxx was marketed as a safer alternative to aspirin. It works by targeting an enzyme called Cyclooxygenase-2, more commonly known as Cox-2. Unlike many of its predecessors, Vioxx does not target Cox-1, another enzyme that is responsible for the protection of the stomach lining. Therefore, the risk of peptic ulcers is greatly reduced.

Vioxx was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May of 1999.

Vioxx – the pros

Vioxx is highly effective in treating osteoarthritis pain. For many patients, Cox-2 inhibitors work better than the older drugs. Patients have less pain, more mobility and a reduction in stiffness. The incidence of gastric ulceration is lower than with other NSAIDS.  

Vioxx – the cons

Sales of Vioxx have dropped dramatically over the last few years. In September 2004, Merck voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market after studies showed an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
There is a 4-fold increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). FDA estimates that Vioxx caused between 88,000 and 139,000 heart attacks in just five years. 30-40% of the heart attacks were fatal.

Video: Did Merck Know About Vioxx Dangers?

Who should not take Vioxx

Do not take Vioxx if you have asthma, hives, or if you have had an allergic reaction to other NSAIDS, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Do not take it if you have severe liver or kidney problems, or if you have had ulcers or stomach bleeding. Bleeding in the digestive system is a rare side effect of Vioxx, but it has occurred in some patients.

The longer you take Vioxx, the greater the chances of negative side effects, including adverse cardiovascular events. The increased risks of heart attack or stroke are associated with long-term, high-dosage use.

How to get Vioxx

Despite the 2004 withdrawal, Vioxx was returned to the market in 2005. It is still available to buy, but only by prescription. It costs between $2.38 and $2.52 per tablet. Speak to your doctor if you think Vioxx may help you.

The legal battles

Video: What Merck Knew and When They Knew It

Following the withdrawal of Vioxx, Merck has been hit with over 10,000 lawsuits, including almost 200 class action suits. The results of these lawsuits have been mixed. In 2005, a Texas jury awarded $253.4 million in damages to the widow of Robert Ernst, who died of cardiac arrhythmia. Three months later, Merck won a similar case in New Jersey, where a patient had a mild heart attack while taking Vioxx. Merck has set aside $4.85 billion for legal claims from US patients.