Vioxx® (Rofecoxib) is a prescription COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve symptoms of arthritis and other acute pain.  It is manufactured by Merck & Company.  On September 30, 2004, Merck announced that it was immediately pulling Vioxx® off the market (worldwide) because of concerns that it produces an increased risk of heart attack and strokes.  Merck says its decision to withdraw Vioxx® from the market is based on new data from a trial called the APPROVe [Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX] trial.  In the APPROVe trial, Vioxx®was compared to placebo (sugar-pill).  The purpose of the trial was to see if Vioxx ®25 mg was effective in preventing the recurrence of colon polyps. The trial was stopped early because there was an increased risk for serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.  The increased risk for heart attacks and strokes was first observed after 18 months of continuous treatment with Vioxx ® compared with placebo.

If you or a loved one has taken Vioxx and had a heart attack or stroke or other serious side effect, please call or email David Hernandez for a no-cost, no-obligation, confidential evaluation of your case.

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