Alternative Medications to Anti-Inflammatory Drug Vioxx®

On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co Inc. voluntarily pulled the drug Vioxx® from the shelves following the release of a study that linked it to a slew of dangerous side effects, ranging from hypertension and upper respiratory infection to Vioxx®-induced heart attack and stroke. An experienced lawyer in your area who excels in pharmaceutical litigation, namely Vioxx®, can advise you of the settlements and verdicts you may be able to obtain should you file a claim against Merck, the maker of Vioxx®.

Vioxx® Alternatives

Millions of patients were left without treatment for their osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstruation discomfort, and acute pain when Merck & Co Inc. voluntarily recalled Vioxx® on September 30, 2004, amidst evidence that Vioxx® tripled the risk of heart attack and stroke in users. A Vioxx® lawyer can review with you potential verdicts and settlements if you have been injured by the drug.

Also, be aware that all former Vioxx® users are urged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop taking Vioxx® and to discuss alternatives with their physicians. Two of the most popular alternative drugs include Celebrex® and Bextra®.

Celebrex®

Like Vioxx®, Celebrex® is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) designed to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, some surgical operations, select instances of painful menstruation, and other conditions.

Manufactured by Pfizer, Celebrex® has been shown to reduce the number of colon and rectal growths (colorectal polyps) in patients with Familial Adenmatous Polyposis (FAP), but it has not been shown to reduce FAP-related cancers.

Celebrex® is not without its side effects, however. In fact, like many NSAIDs (including Vioxx®), the drug has been linked to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding, as well as other gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms of such conditions include burning stomach pain, black, tarry bowel movements, and bloody or coffee ground-like vomit. Celebrex® can also cause headache, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinus inflammation, stomach pain, and nausea. Celebrex® is also believed to cause allergic reactions in some patients - swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat as well as breathing difficulties and sneezing.

If you have had any of the following, you should not take Celebrex®:

• an allergic reaction to sulfa medications
• asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAID medications
• allergies to Celebrex or any ingredients in Celebrex®

Additionally, if any of the following apply to you, inform your doctor before taking Celebrex®:

• you are trying to become pregnant
• you are pregnant
• you are breastfeeding
• you have kidney or liver problems
• have heart failure
• have high blood pressure
• you retain fluids easily
• you are allergic to NSAIDs, such as aspirin
• you have had serious stomach problems in the past
• you have or have had serious medical problems or allergies in the past

To learn more about Celebrex®, Vioxx®, or other pharmaceutical medications, consult your medical provider or speak with a Vioxx® lawyer who can advise you of possible verdicts and settlements.

Bextra®

Bextra®, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intended to treat arthritis, painful menstrual cramping, and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Like Vioxx®, Bextra® is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor and is designed to prevent stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding from occurring. However, side effects are still a problem.

These include headache, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinus inflammation, stomach pain, and nausea. Bextra® can also cause allergic reactions - signaled by swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat as well as breathing difficulties or sneezing. The drug may also cause stomach ulcers and bleeding, which are signaled by burning stomach pain, black, tarry stools, and bloody or coffee ground-like vomit.

Bextra® is not for everyone. If any of the following apply to you, inform your doctor before taking Bextra®:

• you have a history of stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding
• you have a history of liver or kidney disease
• you have asthma
• you retain fluid easily
• you have had congestive heart failure
• you have a history of heart disease
• you have a coagulation (bleeding disorder) or are taking a coagulant (blood thinner)
• you have high blood pressure

See a Vioxx® Heart Attack or Stroke Attorney if You Have Been Affected by Vioxx®

To learn more about Bextra®, Celebrex®, Vioxx®, or other pharmaceutical medications, consult your medical provider or speak with a Vioxx® lawyer who can advise you of possible verdicts and settlements.

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