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On September 30, 2004, Merck announced a worldwide withdrawal of its anti-inflammatory drug, VIOXX®, following information that people taking VIOXX® are two times more likely to have heart attacks and strokes than people who take other inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxen®.

Vioxx is one of a class of anti-inflammatory drugs strenuously marketed as being more effective, with fewer side effects than other, older drugs, including such over-the-counter medications as Ibuprofen.

Vioxx and other drugs in the class have not proven to be the breakthrough cure-all for pain as they were advertised. In fact many physicians prefer Ibuprofen for pain relief to Vioxx and Celebrex combined, and for patients, the cost of the over-the-counter medication is 10 to 15 times less than that of the prescription drugs.

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 taking Vioxx on a regular basis for an extended period of time may be at risk for injuries such as strokes and heart attack. Studies have indicated that chronic use of Vioxx doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease.