Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Merck & Co.'s announcement from September 30, 2004 mean?
A: Merck & Co. announced that it is voluntary withdrawing Vioxx (rofecoxib) from worldwide markets due to its own studies which shows that the drug increases the patient's risk of heart attack and stroke by four times.

Q: How did the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) respond to Merck's actions?
A: The FDA issued a public health advisory concerning the use of Vioxx. This advisory is not a recall and is based on Merck & Co.'s voluntary withdrawl of Vioxx from the market due to safety concerns.

Q: Why was Vioxx recalled and why did the FDA issue a Public Health Advisory?
A: Merck's decision to withdraw Vioxx from worldwide markets was based on data from its recent Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX (APPROVe) trial. The purpose of the trial was to see if Vioxx (25 mg) was effective in preventing the reappearance of colon polyps in patients. However, the trial had to be stopped early because the data showed that there was an increased risk for serious cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) after the first 18 months of continuous treatment with Vioxx.

Q: What is Vioxx?
A: Vioxx is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed to relieve acute pain in adults, dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cycles), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is marketed as 12.5mg, 25mg, and 50mg tablets and as an oral suspension.

Q: How is Vioxx different from other arthritis medications?
A: Unlike the traditional NSAIDs - such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin - Vioxx selectively blocks the COX-2 enzyme, while leaving the COX-1 enzyme alone. This is important because the COX-1 enzyme is essential in the protection of the stomach lining, and blocking it could lead to ulcers, bleeding, and gastrointestinal damage.

Q: What should I do if I am currently taking Vioxx?
A: Although there is only a small risk that a patient will suffer a heart attack or stroke related to Vioxx, we encourage people currently taking Vioxx to consult their physicians immediately for alternative treatments.

Q: What other drugs are similar to Vioxx?
A: Other COX-2 enzyme selective NSAIDs currently on the market are Celebrex (celecoxib) and Bextra (valdecoxib).

Q: Can Vioxx users be compensated for health problems caused by Vioxx?
A: If Vioxx has caused you or a loved one significant harm - such as a heart attack or a stroke - you may be entitled to a money settlement. You must protect your legal rights before the passage of time bars them by various states' statutes of limitations. You should contact a Vioxx attorney to evaluate your rights. From a legal perspective, there is strong evidence that Merck may have not acted responsibly when informing patients of the health risks associated with its drug.

Q: Where can I get more information on Vioxx?
A: More information is available at www.merck.com  and www.vioxx.com , or by calling Merck at 1-888-36VIOXX (1-888-368-4699). For more information about Vioxx from the FDA visit www.fda.gov/cder  or call 888-INFO-FDA (888-463-6332).

Frequently Asked Questions About Vioxx

Vioxx Lawsuits and Attorneys