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What is Vioxx?
Vioxx is a Cox-2 inhibitor, a class of drug that was released on the U.S. market several years ago. This class of drug was to be the next step in treating osteoarthritis and other types of pain. Individuals who had previously taken aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen), but were bothered by gastrointestinal problems commonly associated with them.
Vioxx was touted as great medical developments in the many ads that promoted their benefits. Principal among these was the claim that Vioxx relieved pain without causing stomach problems. Unfotunately, Vioxx poses troubling effects for some users.
What are Cox-2 inhibitors?
Cox-2 inhibitors inhibit the enzyme involved in inflammation of body tissue. Traditional NSAIDs inhibit both the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. The problem with this is that they stop the "good" Cox-1 enzyme that helps protect the lining of the stomach. Cox-2 inhibitors, in theory at least, do not impair the good Cox-1 enzyme, only the Cox-2 enzyme that is responsible for inflammation. Cox-2 inhibitors therefore cause less gastrointestinal problem.
However, Cox-2 inhibitors are not without their problems. They increase the risk of heart attack. The reason for this may be a simple difference between what enzymes are inhibited in the platelets by these drugs. One theory for this holds that the Cox-1 enzyme plays a role in preventing clot formation that leads to heart problems.
So aspirin and other nonsteroidal drugs that inhibit the Cox-1 enzyme probably protect people from developing heart attacks, whereas, Cox-2 inhibitors don''t protect people from developing heart attacks.
Is Vioxx more effective than aspirin and other NSAIDS?
Many experts in the field are not convinced that Vioxx is more effective for pain relief than traditional nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDS). There does seem to be substantial evidence that the drug is safer in regards to gastrointestinal side effects, like ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding or obstructions. However, there is significant concern about the risks they posed to consumers with regards to cardiovascular problems.
Clinical trials that led to the approval of Vioxx suggested that the drug was safer on the stomach. But the manufacturers had to conduct bigger and longer-term studies to drop a warning about serious ulcers that all NSAIDs carry. The conclusion of FDA medical officer Maria Lourdes Villalba was that Vioxx should continue to carry the same warning as other NSAIDs regarding gastrointestinal (GI) problems like ulcers, bleeding and perforation. Villalba also noted that the risk of heart attack and stroke should be added to the label.
Who shouldn''t take Vioxx?
Be very cautious about taking Vioxx if you:
• Have had ulcers or stomach bleeding
• Have had asthma, hives or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Have severe kidney problems
• Have severe liver problems
• Are pregnant
What should I do if I''m currently taking Vioxx?
The most important step for patients currently taking Vioxx is to discuss their health and history with their physician. Your doctor is hopefully aware of the potential health risks associated with these Cox-2 inhibitors and may advise using low-dose aspirin or some other alternative in order to minimize the risk of heart disease from these drugs. Patients must educate themselves on the potential risks, and, if they experience any side effects associated with Cox-2 inhibitors, must immediately contact their doctor.
Two reports released Wednesday reveal that Merck waged a deceptive promotional campaign for its top-selling painkiller Vioxx and disguised company studies as the work of outside scientists.
JAMA Studies
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The third-largest drugmaker in the U.S, Merck, agreed to settle a majority of their claims involving the painkiller Vioxx for $4.85 billion.
The settlement is reportedly the larg...
An Idaho state jury has found that the painkiller Vioxx contributed to the heart attack of a postal worker. The jury awarded him and his wife a multimillion-dollar verdict.
Frede...
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