• Vioxx is an anti-inflammatory drug. It reduces some internal inflammation causing pain in the body.
• Since it is not a steroid, Vioxx is in the class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin is also part of that group.
• Vioxx is analgesic, meaning it eliminates pain.
• It is antipyretic, meaning it can reduce fevers.
• Its active ingredient is rofecoxib.
• Vioxx first got federal approval in 1999.

• Merck is the world's third-largest drug manufacturer, and Vioxx was one of their most important drugs.
• The drug accounted for $2.3 billion in sales in 2003.
• Merck pulled Vioxx off the market last September after a study showed it doubled the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients taking the drug for more than 18 months.
• About 20 million people took the anti-inflammatory drug that was prescribed for pain since it came on the market.
• In 2002, the FDA added warnings to Vioxx's label.
• Continued research showed Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke if taken for 18 months or longer, which prompted Merck to pull the drug.
• The Vioxx withdrawal comes as Merck is preparing to lose the patent on its top-selling drug, Zocor. That patent sunsets in 2006, allowing for generic competition.
• This all could benefit Pfizer, the world's largest drug company.

• Vioxx is used to treat osteoarthritis (see below), acute adult pain and menstrual pain.
• Possible side effects: respiratory infection, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, kidney failure and high blood pressure.
• Rare side effects: gnawing stomach pain, stomach ulcers or vomiting.
• Strength as pain reliever: Studies show 50 milligrams of Vioxx have the same effect as 400 milligrams of ibuprofen in patients with moderate to severe pain. That includes people suffering dental, surgical or menstrual pain.

• Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint and usually causes pain and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis is one form that occurs mainly in older people.
• It is characterized by the chronic degeneration of the cartilage in patients' joints.

• Merck's Vioxx page
• Food and Drug Administration

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