What Vioxx is For

• Vioxx was prescribed to reduce inflammation, pain, fever and stiffness.
  
  

Conditions Helped by Vioxx

• Vioxx was prescribed for the maintenance of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It also was prescribed for the management of acute pain, migraines and menstrual pain.
  
  

Comparison to NSAIDs

• Vioxx was different from other NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) because it was less likely to cause bleeding or digestive tract complications. Unfortunately, it proved to have double the risk for cardiovascular problems.
  
  

Alternatives

• Your doctor can offer alternatives to Vioxx that may include over-the-counter non-steroid inflammatory drugs.
  
  

Removal of Vioxx

• Vioxx was removed from the market because of the increased risk of cardiovascular events. These events included heart attack and stroke.