• Home
• Defective Drug Index
• About A Drug Recall
• Contact A Defective Drug Lawyer

We Can Help.

Vioxx® Alternative

Since Merck voluntarily recalled their product, Vioxx®, from the market in September of 2003, patients who had been taking Vioxx® have scrambled for a Vioxx® alternative. Vioxx®, once touted as a "super pain killer," was used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other severe forms of pain. Vioxx® is one in a group of newer non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that is used to treat acute pain. The original NSAIDs caused significant gastrointestinal problems in their patients; therefore the Vioxx® alternative was thought to be providing pain relief without the harmful side effects.

Vioxx® was recalled when it was discovered that the adverse side effects associated with using Vioxx® outweighed the benefits of continuing to use this pain medicine. Internally conducted clinical trials revealed that patients taking Vioxx® are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from serious heart attack or stroke.

There are a number of other drugs that work just like Vioxx® and may be used as a Vioxx® alternative. Other pharmaceutical companies who offer similar medicines have not had sufficient cause to recall their own pain relievers. Because these Vioxx® alternative medicines work in much the same way as Vioxx®, you may wish to consult a medical professional before taking these medications, to be sure that they are right for you. Celebrex and Bextra (by Pfizer) are both possible Vioxx® alternative medicines that have not been shown to cause an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.

Another type of Vioxx® alternative includes taking one of the original prescription or non-prescription NSAIDs. Aspirin and ibuprofen can prove effective as a non-prescription Vioxx® alternative. If you do not experience harmful side effects, you may be able to use an original NSAID as a Vioxx® alternative. Some examples of prescription NSAID Vioxx® alternative medicines include ketoprofen, naproxen, and several others. It is important to keep in mind that these medications may cause gastrointestinal problems in patients.

There are also herbal Vioxx® alternative pain remedies available. Bromelain, traditionally used in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan, is a natural Vioxx® alternative that acts as an anti-inflammatory and a digestive aid. Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is another natural Vioxx® alternative that can relieve joint pain and strengthen joint collagen. Glucosamine is also a natural Vioxx® alternative that is used to treat osteoarthritis.

The use of any Vioxx® alternative should be discussed with your doctor prior to beginning new treatment. If you had been taking Vioxx® for your pain there are a number of Vioxx® alternative medicines that do not carry the same risks that Vioxx® use does. If you have been injured through the use of Vioxx®, you may wish to speak to a legal professional who can determine if you are eligible to file a case to recover your damages.

For more information on Vioxx® alternatives, please contact us.

More Vioxx® Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Vioxx.com - Official Vioxx Roxecofib site from Merck.

Vioxx Drug Warnings - Vioxx side effects information including lawsuit information and vioxx warnings.