Vioxx (also known generically as rofecoxib) is a Cox-2 Inhibitor drug that was approved in the late 1990s for the treatment of osteoarthritis and various other types of pain. In its day, Vioxx was welcomes as something of a miracle drug, providing a perfect alternative for those that were suffering gastric problem through taking standard Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
Vioxx claimed to be able to provide the same benefits as standard NSAIDs without the commonly associated gastric problems. The drug was prescribed for problems such as osteoarthritis, menstrual pain and other types of pain. However, despite the fact the voixx alleviated the problem of gastric problems associated with NSAIDs, this drug was to bring with it other, even more worrying side effects.
In recent studies, it was indicated that Vioxx could be the cause of an increased risk of heart attack. Research showed that there was a significant increase in the number of heart attacks amongst those taking Vioxx compared to those taking standard NSAIDs. It is thought the risk of heart attack amongst those taking Vioxx could be increased by as much as four hundred percent. Studies are still being carried out to confirm whether this worrying figure is attributed to all Cox-2 Inhibitors or whether it is only vioxx that causes this big increase in risk.
There are other side effects that have been associated with vioxx, which include: intestinal bleeding, liver and kidney problems, stroke, and respiratory problems. A general run down of possible side effects that patients taking vioxx could experience include:
General side effects such as:- Abdominal tenderness/discomfort
- Chest pains
- Abscesses
- Cysts
- Fluid retention
- Fever
Heart-related side effects such as:
- Angina pectoris
- Atrial fibrillation
- Hematoma
- Irregular heartbeat
- Palpitations
Digestive system side effects such as:
- Constipation
- Digestive gas
- Duodenal problems
- Flatulence
- Vomiting
- Esophagus problems
ENT (ears, nose and throat) side effects such as:
- Blurry vision
- Conjunctivitis
- Dry throat
- Nasal congestion
- Tinnitus
Immune system side effects such as:
- Hypersensitivities
- Allergies
Metabolic side effects such as:
- Weigh gain or loss
- Changes in appetite
Respiratory side effects such as:
- Infections
- Asthma
- Persistent cough
Topical side effects such as:
- Skin blisters and abrasions
- Dermatitis
- Herpes
- Rash
There is also a range of other potential side effects that can be attributed to Vioxx , and these include side effects such as:
- Psychiatric problems (e.g. anxiety and depression)
- Musculoskeletal problems (e.g. joint inflammation, muscular weakness, stiffness, pain)
- Nervous system problems (e.g. insomnia, migraine, vertigo, spasms)
- Urogenital problems (e.g. cystitis, menstrual problems, vaginitis)
