Is Vioxx Replacement Arcoxia Safe? Learn more about the new painkiller

Merck & Co., the makers of Vioxx, which was taken off the market in 2004 because it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes, is pushing for U.S. approval on Arcoxia, an arthritis drug that could serve as a Vioxx replacement.

Arcoxia is now sold in 62 countries but the Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve it due to concerns that it might have heart risks similar to those of Vioxx.

A preliminary analysis of the study data on Arcoxia, a so-called Cox-2 inhibitor drug, shows that patients who took it appear at no significant risk of a heart attack than those taking the class of drugs it is meant to replace--the traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can cause stomach problems.

However, the data also revealed that Arcoxia users at certain doses had higher rates of discontinuing the drug due to high blood pressure and swelling.

Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting Vioxx cases.

see also:

JAMA Report Get the latest JAMA report regarding Arcoxia, "the new Vioxx"
JAMA's new report warns against using Vioxx successor Arcoxia

Letters Important letters including the FDA warning on Vioxx and the recall
Read the FDA's Letters regarding the drug Vioxx and the urgent recall

News & Warnings The latest news about Vioxx and Merck you must know
Get recent Vioxx News and Warnings from the 2nd Vioxx Lawsuit winners