Merck’s Vioxx Replacement has Risks

November 2006

Critics claim that the study for a new drug that Merck intends to market in lieu of Vioxx is flawed. The drug was tested against an older pain killer known to raise heart risks, when a more logical study would have compared Arcoxia to a medicine that does not raise heart risks such as Naproxen, or Aleve.

Arcoxia belongs to the cox-2 class of drugs like Vioxx, which are meant to be gentler on the stomach, but includes other more serious risks. Critics say the new research raises “red flags” because studies indicated that Arcoxia did not have increased heart risks when compared to diclofenac, an older drug that has proven heart risks. A better study would have compared Arcoxia to a drug that did not raise heart risks to show its true side-effects.

It is suggested that those at risk of heart disease should stay away from cox-2 drugs and use a drug like naproxen. Those patients with ulcers or stomach bleeding should use cox-2 inhibitors.