Vioxx Recall - Merck & Co., Inc.
announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib) from the
U.S. and worldwide market due to safety concerns of an increased
risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and
stroke) in patients on Vioxx. Vioxx is a prescription COX-2
selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was
approved by FDA in May 1999 for the relief of the signs and
symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in
adults, and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms. Vioxx was
later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.