The drug Vioxx got recalled voluntarily by the drug company that produces it because of the risk of stroke and heart attack in the patient.
ABC news reported that Vioxx is no more effective than Ibuprofen in reducing pain. Vioxx is currently used in people with chronic pain such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The way that the drug works is by blocking only the cox 2 enzyme which is an enzyme that produces a pain response in the body (blocks prostaglandins which also has an antinflammatory effect). Drugs such as Ibuprofen and other low grade NSAID block the cox 1 and 2 enzyme. The cox 1 enzyme works to protect the stomach. Therefore, Vioxx was of great benefit to those taking the drug for a long period of time as taking the drug would not eat away at the stomach causing more problems. It was never marketed as a drug with a greater pain relief than Ibuprofen, it made long term antinflammatory therapy possible.
The FDA, as it is their nature, did not test the drug for long-term use. This seems a little negligent as that is one of its indications and its major claim to fame.
It is unfortunate that these people are left without this therapy, however, because the greatest population taking this drug are seniors, it makes sense that the drug was pulled. You just can't win with this one.
ABC news reported that Vioxx is no more effective than Ibuprofen in reducing pain. Vioxx is currently used in people with chronic pain such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The way that the drug works is by blocking only the cox 2 enzyme which is an enzyme that produces a pain response in the body (blocks prostaglandins which also has an antinflammatory effect). Drugs such as Ibuprofen and other low grade NSAID block the cox 1 and 2 enzyme. The cox 1 enzyme works to protect the stomach. Therefore, Vioxx was of great benefit to those taking the drug for a long period of time as taking the drug would not eat away at the stomach causing more problems. It was never marketed as a drug with a greater pain relief than Ibuprofen, it made long term antinflammatory therapy possible.
The FDA, as it is their nature, did not test the drug for long-term use. This seems a little negligent as that is one of its indications and its major claim to fame.
It is unfortunate that these people are left without this therapy, however, because the greatest population taking this drug are seniors, it makes sense that the drug was pulled. You just can't win with this one.