Despite past mounting evidence on the negative side effects of high-dose consumption of the arthritis pain reliever, Vioxx, doctors continued to prescribe the drug.

Recent Study on Vioxx Users

• Participants of the study were over the age of 49 and taking a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Out of 40,000 participants, 10,000 were prescribed Vioxx
• Over 1,000 of that number were taking high-doses of Vioxx

Experts stated that 25 mgs has been the recommended dosage for long-term use for Vioxx. Research showed 50 mg dosages were not any more effective at helping with chronic pain than the lower doses. Higher doses also contributed to an increased risk of heart attacks.

Since 1992, red flags have been raised over the high dosages and dangerous side effects associated with Vioxx. Earlier this week, Vioxx was finally recalled by the manufacturer Merck & Co., Inc with the announcement of health dangers reiterating a plethora of past studies and claims by scientists that the drug was unsafe.

High dose-Vioxx has been linked to a variety of health conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks, raised blood pressure and a growing number of cases of edema, a swelling found in the arms or legs that can weigh heavily on the heart.

Other conditions related to high dose Vioxx include stress on the kidney, which causes fluid retention, edema and elevated blood pressure.

SOURCE: EurekAlert

Reference Source 116
October 1, 2004

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