Side Effects of Vioxx

Vioxx, also known as Rofecoxib, is a pain killer that is administered orally and comes in the form of a pill or in the liquid form. It reduces the acute pain caused by diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine and also pain during menstruation. The term 'acute pain' refers to severe pain that is sudden and one that for a short period of time.

Vioxx was manufactured by 'Merck and Company' and was brought in market as a drug in 1990. Initially, it was popular as it relived the pain quite effectively as compared to other painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen, available that in the market then. In 2000, it was found that there are fatal side effects of Vioxx. Surveys and tests showed that people using Vioxx were highly susceptible to strokes and heart attacks. By 2004, the manufacturers of Vioxx decided to take the drug off the market and its production was annulled. At that time, almost 2 million people were using Vioxx. The reason for the side effects caused due to Vioxx is still unknown.

It is not that every individual who used Vioxxl developed cardiovascular disease. The side effects depended on the dosage of Vioxx. Small dosages usually did not cause severe side effects. However, one should consult a doctor before using Vioxx. If a person already on a Vioxx medication experiences any of the side effects given below, he should consult a doctor at the earliest.

Less Harmful Side effects of Vioxx

The list of less severe side effects of Vioxx are given below. All the side effects may not be observed at a time. The side effects may occur separately or a combination of the side effects may be observed.

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Infection of the respiratory tract
• Headache
• Nausea
• High blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Discomfort of stomach
• Digestion problem
• Infection of urinary tract
• Swollen legs and ankles

Severe Harmful Side Effects of Vioxx

Administration of Vioxx has also known to cause life-threatening side effects that need immediate treatment. Heart attack, stroke, blood clot are the most serious side effects of Vioxx. The other side effects are given below:

• Unusual bleeding in the intestine
• Fatigue
• Breathing difficulty
• Ulcers in intestine and stomach
• Chest pain
• Blurred vision
• Buzzing sound in the ears
• Anxiety
• Symptoms of flu
• Sudden unexplained weight gain
• Kidney problem
• Liver problem
• Swelling of face, tongue, throat

Side Effects of Vioxx with Other Drugs

Vioxx, when used simultaneously with some drugs causes side effects. Vioxx should not be administered along with these drugs, listed below:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• ACE inhibitors
• Anticoagulants
• Lithium
• Rifampin
• Thiophyline
• Methotrexate

Who should not use Vioxx

People who are allergic to pain killers should not use Vioxx. Pregnant women or women who want to become pregnant should strictly avoid the use of Vioxx. This is because, the use of Vioxx may lead to miscarriage and may be a cause of temporary infertility. People who are suffering from the conditions given below should consult a doctor before using Vioxx, as it may lead to fatal side effects.

• Liver and kidney problems
• Heart disease
• Bleeding in the stomach
• Asthma
• Bleeding disorder

Vioxx was once the most popular anti-inflammatory drug. 84 million people have used Vioxx so far. It is found that 18 months of administration of this drug result in an increased risk of heart attack and strokes. The side effects of Vioxx should be treated immediately to avoid severe consequences as it may also cause death. The number of people who died because of Vioxx is in thousands. Vioxx fiasco made people lose faith in the pharmaceutical industry. The manufacturer of Vioxx, Merck, paid 5 billion dollars to solve the cases in 2007. Lawyers came up to help people who used Vioxx and suffered from its fatal side effects. Cases were filed against Merck and judges took decisions based on the medical reports. It is not that every person using Vioxx will be at increased risk of heart attack or other side effects of Vioxx, but one cannot predict the consequences of its use. One should use Vioxx at his/ her own risk and it is recommended to avoid the use of Vioxx altogether.