A drug prescribed to help ease acute pains associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, migraines, and other painful conditions. Merck & Co. voluntarily withdrew its painkiller drug from the worldwide market on September 30, 2004. The drug has been linked to cardiovascular risks, such as heart attack and stroke.
Vioxx is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug intended to treat menstrual and arthritis pain. The drug is believed to be a defective drug, is known to cause heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, swelling of the lower extremities, high blood pressure, itching, stomach ulcers or bleeding, fatigue, vomiting, dark urine, and black stools. Additionally, recent studies have also linked Vioxx to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.