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Vioxx FAQ'sWhat is Vioxx?Vioxx is the brand name for a prescription pain reliever known as Rofecoxib, a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), also known as COX-2 inhibitors, which stop the body's production of a substance that ultimately causes pain and swelling. What is Vioxx used for? Vioxx is commonly used to relieve acute pain in adults, including pain related to arthritis and menstruation. What are the side effects of Vioxx? Most recently, Vioxx has been blamed for an increased patient risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, sudden cardiac death, and, in some cases, meningitis. Other side effects may include: - abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort - nausea - hair loss - bloody vomit - bloody, black, or tarry stools - indigestion - unexplained weight gain - swelling or water retention - high blood pressure - fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash - itching Please consult our section on Vioxx side effects for additional information. What about other COX-2 inhibitors? While most of the studies linking COX-2 inhibitors to heart attacks, strokes and sudden cardiac deaths, relate to Vioxx, experts believe that patients who use other popular COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex, may also be at risk. Please consult your physician, if you have any concerns. Now that Vioxx has been recalled, should I stop taking the drug? Do not stop taking any medication, without first consulting the advice of your physician. If I decide to stop taking Vioxx, am I entitled to a refund? Yes. Please consult our refund section for information on how to receive a refund on unused Vioxx. If I have suffered a heart attack, stroke or other complication while on Vioxx, what are my legal rights? If you or a loved one has experienced complications while taking Vioxx, you may be entitled to participate in legal action against Merck, the producer of Vioxx. Please consult our helpful litigation section for more information. |
