Vioxx Maker Seeks FDA Approval on New Arthritis Drug

By Ashley Van Leuven

Published on April 11, 2007

Vioxx, approved by the FDA in 1999, was recalled in 2004 after it was found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Subsequent litigation over the drug has focused on whether Merck knew about Vioxx's dangerous side effects but failed to properly warn consumers.

Arcoxia, Merck’s new arthritis medication, belongs to a class of drugs called Cox-2 inhibitors. This particular class of drugs, which includes Vioxx and Pfizer’s Celebrex, is known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The American Heart Association and the noted consumer group Public Citizen say that Cox-2 inhibitors are more dangerous than over-the-counter pain killers, such as Aspirin, that can be used to treat pain associated with arthritis.

The FDA will consider this week whether to allow Arcoxia on the market.

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