The arthritis and acute pain medication Vioxx (rofecoxib), was removed from the market voluntarily when 3-year data indicated from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial revealed an increased relative risk for confirmed cardiovascular events in patients taking rofecoxib compared after 18 months of use.
The trial, which was stopped, was designed to evaluate the efficacy of rofecoxib 25 mg in preventing recurrence of colorectal polyps in patients with a history of colorectal adenomas.
Healthcare providers should discuss alternative treatments with all patients currently taking rofecoxib.