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Vioxx Contraindications

Vioxx contraindications are those pre-existing medical conditions and other risk factors which increase the likelihood that a patient will experience an adverse health event as a result of taking Vioxx. Vioxx is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was originally approved by the FDA in 1999. Merck and Co, the makers of this top selling pain reliever, voluntarily pulled Vioxx off the shelves in September 2004. Merck initiated this withdrawal after internal clinical trials found that patients taking Vioxx were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke compared to the general population.

Patients were warned about a number of Vioxx contraindications when Vioxx was first introduced to the market. Vioxx contraindications were known for patients who had experienced an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen). Patients who had a history of asthma or urticaria (hives) were also advised of Vioxx contraindications.

Vioxx contraindications also rendered Vioxx use unfavorable for patients with a history of gastrointestinal problems. Vioxx studies showed any patient taking Vioxx had the risk of developing gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or damage to the intestines or stomach at any time during Vioxx use. Only 20 percent of people who developed serious gastrointestinal side effects were symptomatic.

Vioxx contraindications showed that patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach ulcers were ten times more likely to suffer serious Vioxx-induced gastrointestinal complications. With regards to gastrointestinal problems, Vioxx contraindications also included concurrent anticoagulant drug therapy, use of oral corticosteroids, smoking, alcoholism, poor health, longer duration of NSAID therapy, and older age.

Vioxx contraindications information reveals that reports of fatal gastrointestinal side effects were more common in older patients, and was therefore not a good treatment option for this patient population. As a result of these Vioxx contraindications, it was recommended that patients with these risk factors be put on the lowest dose of Vioxx for the shortest period of time, when Vioxx treatment was necessary.

Prior to the knowledge that all Vioxx users were at risk for cardiovascular complications, the VIGOR clinical trial showed Vioxx contraindications in patients with a history of cardiovascular problems. In 2002, Merck reported that naproxen participants experienced a significantly lower rate of adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events compared to the Vioxx group. Merck originally claimed that naproxen was preventing these adverse events, though this was later disproved. The VIGOR study found Vioxx contraindications for patients with a history of heart problems. These patients were five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke compared to patients with no prior cardiovascular health problems.

If you are interested in learning more about Vioxx contraindications, please contact us to confer with a legal professional.

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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.