Good Riddance to a Bad Drug (Vioxx)

NY Times ^ | October 2, 2004 | ERIC J. TOPOL

[neverdem]

The author is one of the most well known cardiologists in the country. Ibuprofen is also sold as Motrin.

[neverdem]

FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.

[MEG33]

Good info ...

[Rebel_Ace]

I had a severe inflammation in my lower spine, to the point of near immobility. My doctor prescibed VIOXX, and it was like switching a light bulb off. I was able to regain mobility, which allowed me to perform exercises to strengthen my lower back muscles for long term relief. I used VIOXX for approximately 8 weeks. It worked EXACTLY as intended. Now, I am not sure I would want to take this drug continuously for years, but it did do what was expected and needed for the short term. As such, I am saddened that the drug has been withdrawn. My own personal experience tells me that it has positive theraputic value. No drug is completely safe or risk free.

[Ciexyz]

Yikes! Thanks for posting. I take Bextra (and before that, Vioxx).

I'll have to speak with my dr. about this matter.

[FormerACLUmember]

One must always be deeply skeptical of the rhetoric of the NY Times, a slick propaganda outlet with little credibility and a massive agenda. And, as we have seen in the CBS debacle, "well known" experts are meaningless when you are dealing with the the disreputable NY Times and news plants by their close allies, the corrupt trial lawyer industry.

There are many patients who absolutely swear by Vioxx as the only medication that consistently helps their severe orthopedic problems. Patients who would accept the slightly increased risk of heart attacks to relieve their agony. What are these patients to do now?

[dandi]

Neverdem, how do NSAIDs such as naproxen stack up against COX-2 inhibitors as regards liver toxicity?

[FormerACLUmember]

I was busy typing away on post #6 while you posted #4. This is exactly the point I was making. People do not realize the absolute agony of back problems and other arthritic/orthopedic conditions. They have no idea. It is a tragedy that the litigation industry has forced Vioxx off the market.

[Nov3]

For short term use this is a fantastic drug. Any of the Cox-1 or Cox-2 drugs will have side effects if used too long. (Even Aspirin) Those pathways are included in the body for a reason.

[FormerACLUmember]

The cause of this problem is that Vioxx has a slight blood thickening side effect, increasing the risk of thrombosis (clotted, coagulated blockage). Celebrex, also a COX-2 anti-inflammatory drug, does not have this property. I am told that Bextra, the final one of the new COX-2 drugs, also is not a blood thickener.

I would also caution people about bad advice in the NY Times "expert" report anti-pharmaceutical/trial lawyer hit piece: the recommended Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) thickens the blood just like Vioxx, I am told.

[Spyder]

It is a tragedy that the litigation industry has forced Vioxx off the market.

Not only that, but the money Merck is going to have to pay out in settling litigation claims is money they won't spend on samples and patient-assistance programs for other drugs they produce.

[steve86]

Don't know about the comparative liver toxicity but I do know that naproxen sodium worked wonders for me. Much less upper GI irritation than ibuprofen or aspirin. Not sure if this is due to the infrequent dosing (8-12) hours, or less inherent tendency to irritate.

[FormerACLUmember]

..The money Merck is going to have to pay out in settling litigation claims is money they won't spend on samples and patient-assistance programs for other drugs they produce.

And destroy Merck's contribution to the world class research in an industry that the US is the unquestioned leader in the world: medical and pharmaceutical technology. The "rat party" and its trial lawyers will eliminate this leadership unless we fight these evil b*st*rds.

[Rebel_Ace]

Yup, every drug is a balance between risk and benefit, between cost and efficacy, etc, etc. My goodness, even opiates have some value, depending upon the circumstances. Again, long term use of opiates is probably not a good thing either. Damn lawyers...

[FormerACLUmember]

All medications have side effects and risk/benefit issues. Even vitamins and "herbs."

In any case thank God you showed an excellent response to Vioxx. May you enjoy continued good health, my friend.

[Jaysun]

I had a severe inflammation in my lower spine, to the point of near immobility. My doctor prescibed VIOXX, and it was like switching a light bulb off. I was able to regain mobility, which allowed me to perform exercises to strengthen my lower back muscles for long term relief. I used VIOXX for approximately 8 weeks. It worked EXACTLY as intended.

Same here Rebel_Ace. I've been going to get injections in my back every month for years. I have a terrible back - damned thing! The VIOXX helped immensely. I've been taking it for about a year and I've only had to get injections twice. It was the best I've found because it helped the pain while having no effect on my mental and motor skills. Guess I'll go back to 20 jabs per month in the spine now.

[kenth]

I was prescribed Vioxx for a back injury, I used it for a month, but it seemed useless. It did nothing for the back pain. I stopped taking it and switched to regular OTC pain relievers. Thank God I didn't keep using it.

[dandi]

Actually, those drugs inhibit platelet aggregation in the same manner as aspirin.

[wardaddy]

Vioxx worked well on my cervical arthritis, herniated lumbar discs, and knee and ankle fluid/inflammation issues but I never took it for over a week or two at a time and in conjunction with some fine opiate.

My wife swears by Bextra for da crampster.

This cardiologist has solid creds and I'm sure is no pal of the malpractice lawyers.

I hate to see Merck take a hit....they are a first class dope outfit.

and I'm sorry for those who really need it all the time.

(I was taking Vioxx for the first time just weeks after open heart btw)

[Ciexyz]

...Bextra, the final one of the two COX-2 inhibitors, also is not a blood thickener.

Thanks for that info. I'll mention this article to my physician at my next office visit, but you have put my mind to rest for now.

Bextra has helped my arthritic condition. I have been taking it for almost two years, and am aware of the possibility of liver damage with extended use. My doctor periodically checks for any signs of that problem.

Trust FR - if there's new info on any topic, someone will post it. GO FR!