Vioxx Risk Study

A three-year study of users of the now-banned arthritis painkiller Vioxx supports the conclusion that it doubles the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study reveals that the risk persists even after the user stops taking it, for up to a year.Washington Post: Vioxx's Heart Risk Lingered Long After Use Ended (October 13, 2008)

In addition, the researchers believe that long-term risks may also be associated with cox-2 pain inhibitors present in Celebrex, as well as with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.Washington Post: Vioxx's Heart Risk Lingered Long After Use Ended (October 13, 2008) Reuters: Long-term study confirms Vioxx heart risks (October 13, 2008)

""There seems to be an increased risk for most if not all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. That doesn't mean these aren't good drugs. It's just there is some increased risk we need to be aware of." -- Dr. Robert BresalierReuters: Long-term study confirms Vioxx heart risks (October 13, 2008)

"There was always a signal that it [the risk] was worse for Vioxx that other cox-2 inhibitors. Whether or not other drugs like Celebrex shared that isn't known. That has not been demonstrated in studies of Celebrex. But you have to be suspicious, particularly since high doses of Celebrex have heart attack and stroke risk. But there's never been a study to show that it's a long-lasting liability." -- Dr. Eric J. TopolWashington Post: Vioxx's Heart Risk Lingered Long After Use Ended (October 13, 2008)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Vioxx or any pain medication.