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Vioxx recall leaves arthritis treatment options in question

-October 25, 2004

The Vioxx recall has left many doctors with a need to decide what type of prescription practices to adopt for arthritis patients. The entire class of drugs that Vioxx belongs to, called the COX-2 inhibitors (which includes Pfizer's drugs Celebrex and Bextra), has been questioned in light of the Vioxx recall since many experts believe the adverse effects may be a class wide reaction. Since the focus of COX-2 inhibitors has always been on its effect on gastrointestinal bleeding, many experts believe more studies must be performed on the effects of cardiovascular risks.

Some doctors are hesitant to prescribe another similar drug for patients formerly using the recalled drug, and many patients feel the same way. Patients have been given the option to take another COX-2 inhibitor or try something else, and a lot of reports indicate a majority of Vioxx users are opting for another treatment. Because the safety of the entire class of drugs is under closer scrutiny, some doctors and patients are concerned with additional safety information surfacing about the remaining COX-2 drugs.

The key to determining new treatment options is individual, and the Vioxx recall announcement should allow patients, along with their doctors, to question why treatment is most needed. Since most people are not in a high-risk group for gastrointestinal bleeding, the need for a COX-2 inhibitor is not really necessary, according to some expert opinions. Because the majority of drugs have increased risk of adverse effects the longer they are taken, the Vioxx recall may shift more attention to a more hands on approach to pain relief and other alternative therapies, such as diet and exercise.

The largest prescription drug withdrawal in history, the Vioxx recall may be a potentially large legal nightmare for Merck, but it is also the long - awaited incentive to force a closer look at drug safety and federal regulation as a whole.

For more information on the vioxx recall, please contact us.

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