What Are Nsaids?
NSAIDs are a large group of drugs that have painrelieving (analgesic) and fever reducing (antipyretic) effects, as well as the effect of reducing inflammation when used over time. The antiinflammatory effects may take anywhere from a few days to three weeks to take effect. Nonselective (traditional) NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, aspirin, Nabumetone and Naproxen work by inhibiting both the COX1 and COX2 enzymes to stop the production of prostaglandins, while COX2 inhibitors only block the COX2 enzyme. Common uses for NSAIDs are:
Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis (inflammation and resulting pain of one or more joints, a common characteristic of over 200 rheumatic diseases with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) being the most common forms).
Back pain and sciatica (pain down into the leg, which travels below the knee, and may involve the foot may occur alone or accompanied by low back pain).
Sprains, strains and rheumatism (a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities).
Dental Pain
Postoperative pain
Menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhoea mild, and menorrhagia heavy).
Pain from kidney stones (renal colic).
Reduction of fevers
Migraines (recurrent severe headaches generally accompanied by an aura (classic migraine), nausea, vomiting, and dizziness).
Other painful conditions, particularly those with symptoms of inflammation.
NSAIDs come in different formulas and in overthecounter (OTC) and prescription strengths. Some may work better for you than others. Your physician can help you find the dose and medication that works best for you. Tell your physician if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, asthma, or a history of kidney or liver disease, or have had ulcers in the past. People over age 65 must be especially careful when taking NSAIDs. Also tell your doctor about other medications you are taking. NSAIDs may intensify or counteract the effects of some medications. Both the risk and the severity of side effects increase the longer you take NSAIDs.
Other Vioxx FAQs
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Q:
What Action Did The Fda Take?
A: The FDA issued a public health advisory concerning the use of Vioxx. This advisory is based on Merck voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the market due to safety concerns. -
Q:
Why Wasn't The Approve Trial Stopped Earlier?
A: The APPROVe trial began enrollment in 2000 and was being monitored by an independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB). It was not stopped earlier because the … More -
Q:
Can My Pharmacist Continue To Fill My Prescription For Vioxx?
A: No. Merck is initiating a market withdrawal in the U.S. to the pharmacy level. This means Vioxx will no longer be available at pharmacies. I had a prescription for … More -
Q:
Does The Withdrawal Of Vioxx From The Market Suggest That Other Drugs In The Same Class Are Dangerous?
A: The results of clinical studies with one drug in a given class do not necessarily apply to other drugs in the same class. Chronic use of NSAIDs has risks which … More -
Q:
Were There Any Warning Flags That Led To Merck's Recall Of Vioxx?
A: When the FDA sent a warning letter to Merck in 1999 calling Merck's promotional materials "false and misleading," and when the FDA directed Merck to send a letter to … More -
Q:
What Is Vioxx?
A: Vioxx (rofecoxib) is a prescription COX2 inhibitor nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Vioxx works by inhibiting the COX2 form of the COX … More -
Q:
What Evidence Supports The Withdrawal?
A: Merck's decision to withdraw Vioxx from the market is based on new data from a trial called the APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX) trial. In the APPROVe … More -
Q:
Why Has Vioxx Been Withdrawn From The Market?
A: New research shows that a major Vioxx side effect is a greatly increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attack or stroke if used longterm. More -
Q:
Did The Food And Drug Administration (Fda) Require The Removal Of Vioxx?
A: No. Merck made this decision independent of input from the FDA. The FDA agrees with the company that there appears to be significant safety concerns for patients, … More -
Q:
What Other Drugs Are Similar To Vioxx?
A: Vioxx is related to the nonselective (traditional) NSAIDs aspirin, Ibuprofen, Nabumetone, Naproxen, Ketoprofen and other traditional NSAIDs. Celebrex (celecoxib) … More
Drug Recalls Sub-categories
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