Arthritis Drug Vioxx Recalled By Merck Worldwide

Arthritis drug Vioxx has been voluntarily recalled by Merck & Co Inc. worldwide. The move to pull the COX-2 inhibitor off the market shocked the arthritis world and rocked the stock value of Merck. The decision to recall Vioxx followed a three year trial to determine the effect of Vioxx on the recurrence of neoplastic polyps of the large bowel in patients with a history of colorectal adenoma. The study revealed that an increased risk of cardiovascular complications began 18 months after patients started taking Vioxx. Vioxx was approved for arthritis in the United States in 1999. What should you do if you have been taking Vioxx? What should you do if you have any unused Vioxx? We have the answers.