On September 30, 2004, Merck pulled its billion dollar arthritis drug Vioxx from the pharmaceutical marketplace due to increased heart attack and stroke risks. A study confirmed long-standing concerns that taking the osteoarthritis pain killer doubled the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots that could result in sudden death.

What is Vioxx? Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Vioxx is also related to the nonselective NSAIDs -- ibuprofen and naproxen. Vioxx is a prescription medication used to relieve arthritis symptoms, painful menstrual cycles, and acute pain in adults.

The study showed an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients on Vioxx compared to a placebo -- particularly for those study participants who had been taking Vioxx for longer than 18 months. Merck concluded that the cardiovascular risks of heart attack and stroke are small but viable. Hypothetically, after three years of Vioxx treatment, 15 out of 1,000 patients taking Vioxx would have a heart attack or stroke compared to 7.5 out of 1,000 patients who were taking a placebo. The longer a patient is taking the medication; the greater the risk for a Vioxx heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.

Were you taking Vioxx? Please contact your doctor to discontinue its use. Based on your condition and medical history, your doctor will assess your needs and advise further treatment.