Q: What is Vioxx?

A: A prescription drug used to treat arthritis, painful menstrual cycles, and acute pain in grown ups. It is a Cox-2 selective NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and is also related to naproxen, ibuprofen, and other nonselective NSAIDs.

Before being pulled off the shelves, Vioxx was among the fastest drugs sold around the world. Manufactured by Merck & Company, Vioxx was FDA-approved for treating osteoarthritis and acute pain. More than 21 million people in the United States are afflicted with osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis that is caused by regular use of the joints.

Q: What Are The Risks Associated With Using Vioxx?

A: Research shows that taking Vioxx can greatly increase the chances of having a heart attack. Other possible side effects include bleeding, stomach ulcers, and strokes. The chances of having stomach problems also increase the longer a person takes Vioxx. Even short-term use of Vioxx, however, carries risks. These side effects may happen suddenly. Some people may start to experience a burning or gnawing pain in their stomach, begin vomiting, or have black or tarry stools. Minor side effects include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, heartburn, nausea, high blood pressure, and swelling of the feet or lower legs.

Q: What did the FDA do about Vioxx?

A: The Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory regarding Vioxx after Merck & Co. voluntarily pulled Vioxx from the market because of safety issues.

Q: Is there evidence to support the FDA's public health advisory?

A: Merck & Co. decided to pull Vioxx from counters because of new information it received from the APPROVe trial. In this [Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX] trial, a sugar pill and Vioxx were compared. The trial was conducted to find out if taking 25mg of Vioxx could prevent colon polyps from recurring. The trial was terminated early because, after 18 months of taking Vioxx, patients had increased their chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

Q: How much information did the Food and Drug Administration have about the risks involving strokes and heart attacks when it approved Vioxx?

A: In the original safety database, there were about 5000 patients taking Vioxx and none of them displayed any increased chances of having a stroke or heart attack. In May 1999, the Food and Drug Administration approved Vioxx. VIGOR, a study that was submitted to the FDA in June 2000 was conducted to look at Vioxx's effect on certain side effects, such as bleeding and stomach ulcers.

VIGOR, also known as VIOXX GI Outcomes Research, revealed that patients who took Vioxx bled less and didn't have as many stomach ulcers as people taking another type of NSAID called Naproxen. The study did indicate, though, that more Vioxx patients had suffered heart attacks. This information was talked about in 2001 by the Arthritis Advisory Committee and was included on Vioxx labels beginning April 2002.

After this, Merck & Company started conducting other trials to find out more information about Vioxx and its connection to strokes and heart attacks.

Q: What should I do if I am still taking Vioxx?

A: The chances of suffering a stroke or heart attack from taking Vioxx are small. We do encourage people, however, to talk to their doctor and ask whether it makes sense to stop using Vioxx and start using another type of treatment instead. This kind of decision, however, should be made with your doctor who can assess your specific care needs.

Q: Are there any long-term health effects from taking Vioxx?

A: Recent studies show that chronic use of Vioxx may increase the chances of cardiovascular illnesses, such as strokes and heart attacks.

Q: Are there other drugs like Vioxx?

A: Bextra and Celebrex are also COX-2 selective NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nonselective NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen are also related to Vioxx. It is important that you talk to a doctor to decide what treatment works best for you.

Q: Because Vioxx was pulled from the market, does this mean that other NSAIDs are also unsafe?

A: Just because one kind of drug is considered dangerous does not mean that other medications in the same category are also unsafe. Every NSAID comes with risks when ingested on a chronic basis. Risks include kidney and liver toxicity and gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important that a patient be supervised by a doctor if the patient plans on taking an NSAID for more than two weeks.

Q: Can I go to a pharmacy and have them fill my Vioxx prescription.

A: No. Vioxx can no longer be purchased at any U.S. pharmacy.

Q: Should Vioxx users be compensated because taking Vioxx has caused them to have health problems?

A: If you think that Vioxx has harmed you or someone you love, you may have the right to a large recovery. It is important that you make a claim before the statute of limitations in your state can prevent you from doing so. We also suggest that you speak with a Vioxx malpractice attorney right away. Many people lose their valuable legal rights on a daily basis because they did not do anything to protect them.

There is strong legal evidence to suggest that Merck may have acted negligently by not fully revealing the risks connected to taking Vioxx. A qualified malpractice attorney can help you obtain a financial settlement for your pain and suffering.