Start End Why was Vioxx prescribed? The Vioxx Recall Vioxx was approved by the FDA and launched in the United States in 1999. Vioxx was used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, as well as acute pain in adults and menstrual pain. Subsequently, the FDA approved Vioxx to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.
Unfortunately, three-year data from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial showed increased relative risk for confirmed cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, beginning after 18 months of continuous treatment in the patients taking Vioxx compared to those taking placebo. Merck expects about 16,000 people to file legitimate Vioxx law suits against the company. Lanier won a similar case against Merck. 7, 2005 Merck Rests Its Defense in Federal Vioxx Trial Dec.