Patients taking Vioxx have a 50 percent greater chance of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. Vioxx, like Celebrex, is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor, or coxib. COX-2 inhibitors, like older drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Older NSAIDs reduce inflammation by blocking an enzyme called COX-2, but they also block another enzyme called COX-1. This enzyme helps protect the lining of the stomach, so blocking COX-2 can cause stomach irritation. COX-2 inhibitors only block COX-2, leaving the stomach-protecting COX-1 alone.

However, a recent study that compared the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib Vioxx with the traditional NSAID naproxen, revealed that the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, chest pain related to heart disease, stroke, sudden death and blood clots, was more than two times higher in the rofecoxib group than in the naproxen group. This has led Vioxx’s manufacturer to remove the drug from the market.

If you or a loved one has taken Vioxx and suffered side effects, please contact the lawyers of The Ferraro Law Firm at 1-800-275-3332 or via e-mail for a Free Case Evaluation.

Important Links:

FDA – Development Resources: Vioxx

Mayo Clinic – Vioxx (Rofecoxib) Drug Information

Merck: VIOXX® (rofecoxib) Information Center