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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.

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.